, June 25 -- Agility Robotics, a US company that develops human-like robots for warehouse work, plans to go public in a move that could test investor confidence in the growing market for AI-powered humanoid machines.

The Oregon-based company announced Wednesday that it will merge with an investment firm in a deal valuing Agility at about $2.5 billion. The move is expected to make it the first publicly traded company focused entirely on building and selling humanoid robots.

Agility is best known for its robot "Digit," which is designed to lift and move heavy containers and storage bins in warehouses and industrial facilities. Company officials say Digit is already being used commercially, making it one of the first humanoid robots to per...