Ricoh Takes Robotics to the Next Level: Supporting Humanoid Workers in Tomorrow’s Office

"Okay, but how does this help me sell more copiers today?"

We know Ricoh as the copier company, but their recent move into robotics support might surprise some of us who’ve been in the office tech game for years. 

When you think of Ricoh, you picture copiers or multifunction printers – the bread and butter of many dealerships. But as the business landscape changes, so does Ricoh. Their latest venture? Supporting Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot, Digit. It’s a sign that Ricoh isn’t just sticking to the traditional office technology space but is pushing into new, cutting-edge areas.

Digit is no ordinary robot. Built by Agility Robotics, it’s designed to do more than just roll around on wheels or perform repetitive tasks. Digit walks on two legs, mimicking human movement, and can handle tasks in environments designed for humans. Think about logistics, warehouses, or even healthcare. This robot can carry packages, navigate tight spaces, and perform physical tasks that used to require human hands. For anyone following the evolution of automation, it’s easy to see why this type of robot could be a game-changer.

So, what’s Ricoh’s role here? 

They’re not building the robots, but they’re providing crucial customer support for Digit. Essentially, Ricoh is applying their deep expertise in managed services—something they've mastered over decades in the office tech space—and bringing it to the world of robotics. Just like how Ricoh has helped companies manage fleets of copiers and printers, they’ll now be helping businesses manage their robots. 

As you know, any complex machine, like robots need support. They require maintenance, troubleshooting, and someone to step in when things go wrong. That’s where Ricoh comes in, leveraging their service infrastructure to make sure robots like Digit can do their jobs without constant downtime.

For those of us selling Ricoh products, this might seem like a big leap. We’re used to talking about paper jams, print speeds, and the occasional firmware update. But when you think about it, supporting robots isn’t all that different. It’s still about solving problems for businesses, making sure the tech they’ve invested in works smoothly, and minimizing headaches for the customer. The skills Ricoh has honed—whether it’s managing fleets of copiers or handling IT services—translate surprisingly well to this new area.

As mentioned here since 2008, the workforce is changing, and industries like logistics are feeling the pinch with labor shortages and rising demands. For now, robots are here to fill gaps and assist human workers. Imagine a warehouse where bots handle the heavy lifting, leaving the human employees free to focus on more complex tasks. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about making the operation more efficient.

Ricoh’s partnership with Agility Robotics is a sign that they see where the future is headed. They’re not just a copier company anymore, even if that’s still a huge part of what they do. They’re moving into areas that a lot of us may not have expected, like IT services, cloud solutions, and now even robotics. 

For dealerships, this opens up some interesting opportunities. It might seem far off now, but as robots like Digit become more common, having a trusted partner like Ricoh to offer support could be a huge selling point for businesses looking to adopt this kind of tech.

I know what you're thinking, "Okay, but how does this help me sell more copiers today?" Fair question. 

It might not change much in the short term. But long term? It positions Ricoh—and by extension, all of us who sell their products—at the forefront of some exciting tech trends. Businesses are adopting more advanced technology like robotics, they need trusted partners who understand their tech stack from top to bottom. If Ricoh can support a fleet of robots, imagine the credibility that brings when you’re pitching them as a partner for managed print services or document management.

There's More, There is Always More

There’s a broader takeaway here. 

Ricoh’s move into robotics shows that the company is forward-thinking, and that’s something we can leverage when we’re talking to clients. The business landscape is shifting fast—digital transformation, AI, robotics—and Ricoh is not getting left behind. 

That’s something that could resonate with potential customers who are looking for more than just a copier vendor. They want a partner who can help them navigate all the tech changes coming their way, whether that’s in printing, IT, or even robotics down the line.

In the end, Ricoh’s partnership with Agility Robotics is a reminder that the business world is evolving, and so is Ricoh. It’s easy to get stuck thinking of them as just a copier company, but they’re clearly aiming higher. And that’s something we can use to our advantage. 

Whether it’s selling a copier, an IT solution, or—one day—helping a customer manage their fleet of robots, Ricoh is setting us up to be the go-to resource for businesses navigating the future of technology.

Source, here.

Press, here.

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Ricoh, long known for its office technology, is stepping into the future by offering support services for Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot, Digit. This partnership showcases Ricoh's commitment to staying at the cutting edge of business solutions, moving beyond copiers and printers into advanced robotics. With Digit designed to work alongside humans in industries like logistics and manufacturing, Ricoh is providing essential customer support to ensure seamless integration. As robots become more common in the workplace, Ricoh is proving they’re ready to help businesses navigate this exciting new era of human-robot collaboration. The future of work is here, and Ricoh is leading the charge.