Agility A2: Empowering the Future of Embodied AI and Bimanual Robotics Research

In the rapidly evolving landscape of robotics, the bridge between simulation and real-world application requires hardware that is both high-performing and highly adaptable. Enter the Agility A2, a high-payload, 14-DOF dual-arm robotic research platform designed to meet the rigorous demands of embodied AI, robot learning, and complex bimanual manipulation.

Hardware Excellence: Power Meets Precision

The Agility A2 is engineered for researchers who need more than just a desktop toy. Each arm features 7 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) with a 714 mm reach, providing a workspace that mimics human range and flexibility.

Constructed from premium aluminum-alloy and stainless steel, the platform is built for longevity. Under the hood, it utilizes Quasi-Direct Drive (QDD) compliant joints and a robust 48 V drive system, delivering smooth, human-like motion. Its payload capacity is class-leading:

• Rated Payload: 5 kg per arm

• Peak Payload: 12 kg per arm

This power allows researchers to move beyond lightweight plastic blocks to real-world tools, industrial workpieces, and contact-rich assembly tasks.

 A Cloud-Native, Open-Source Ecosystem

Software integration is often the biggest bottleneck in robotics research. The Agility A2 eliminates this barrier by shipping with a complete, pre-installed software stack on Ubuntu 22.04 with ROS2 Humble.

Natively supporting NVIDIA Isaac, the platform is optimized for:

• Data Collection: High-quality teleoperation and scripted data for imitation learning.

• Model Deployment: Implementing Reinforcement Learning (RL) or Vision-Language-Action (VLA) policies (such as m0 and m0.5).

• Deep Customization: Fully open-source firmware, CAD models, and simulation assets ensure your research is reproducible and extensible.

The included OpenArmX SDK provides essential tools like motor_manage for diagnostics and openarm_utils for quick teaching and demonstration modes, significantly reducing the "time-to-first-motion" for new labs.

Versatile Applications: From Lab Bench to Industry

The Agility A2 is a multidisciplinary workhorse, excelling in four key areas:

1. Embodied AI & Robot Learning

University labs can leverage the dual-arm ROS2 setup to evaluate VLA-based control policies on real-world tasks such as sorting, grasping, and complex bimanual assembly.

2. Hazardous & Specialized Scenarios

For simulations involving nuclear, chemical, or biosafety workflows, the A2 serves as a sophisticated remote manipulator. Operators can use VR controllers or master arms to toggle switches, turn valves, and transfer hazardous samples from a safe distance.

3. Industrial R&D & HRC

Prototyping collaborative workcells becomes seamless. The A2’s high payload and impedance control capabilities allow for testing screw-tightening, connector-plugging, and human-robot collaboration schemes before full-scale industrial deployment.

4. Robotics Education

With its open architecture, the platform is an ideal tool for teaching robot kinematics and ROS2 control, providing students with hands-on experience on professional-grade hardware.

What’s in the Box?

Agility A2 is available in two primary configurations to suit different research needs:

Single Robotic Arm Set (Dual-arm)

• 1× Agility A2 Dual-arm System

• 1× Industrial Control Computer (Intel i7, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)

• 1× Complete Cable Harness Set

Isomorphic Teleoperation Set

• Leader: 1× Agility A2 Robotic Arm

• Follower: 1× Agility A2 Robotic Arm

• 1× Industrial Control Computer (Intel i7-10510U, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD)

• 2× Complete Cable Harness Sets

Ready to elevate your research? The Agility A2 is more than a manipulator; it is a scalable, extensible gateway to the next generation of autonomous intelligence. Whether you are scaling from bench-top experiments to mobile manipulation or exploring the frontiers of VLA models, the A2 provides the strength and openness your project deserves.