The Delivering the Future event has become a significant showcase for Amazon to unveil the latest technologies driving its operations. After a successful event in Seattle in 2023, which highlighted updates in the company’s pharmacy services and drone delivery systems, this year’s Nashville event turned the spotlight on advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to enhance shopping experiences and streamline package deliveries.
While the two-day event didn’t introduce any new robotics systems, it provided valuable insights into how Amazon is integrating its existing technology. Shortly after the event, TechCrunch had the opportunity to speak with Tye Brady, Amazon Robotics’ chief technologist, shedding light on how the company’s robotics initiatives have evolved over the past year and what the future holds.
The Scale of Amazon’s Robotics Operations
According to Amazon’s internal figures, the company currently operates over 750,000 robots across its U.S. fulfillment centers—a figure that has remained stable since 2023. However, it’s essential to note that this number pertains solely to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the wheeled systems that have navigated Amazon warehouses since the acquisition of Kiva Systems in 2012. Among these robots are various models, including the recently introduced Proteus system.
In addition to AMRs, Amazon has integrated other robotic forms, with robotic arms like Robin, Cardinal, and Sparrow playing crucial roles in sorting and stacking tasks. The most recent addition to Amazon Robotics is Sequoia, an automated storage and retrieval system introduced at the 2023 Delivering the Future event. The name, inspired by the massive redwoods of Northern California, reflects the system’s considerable scale, with the first unit launched in a Houston-area fulfillment center and a larger version being deployed in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Retrofitting for Enhanced Efficiency
Rather than building new robotic fulfillment centers from scratch, Amazon is focusing on retrofitting existing warehouses. This approach, while less resource-intensive, necessitates careful management of ongoing operations. The Shreveport center, designated as Amazon’s first “Gen 12” building, is expected to employ ten times the number of robots compared to previous models, though specific figures have yet to be disclosed. This expansion will also lead to a 25% increase in reliability maintenance engineering roles, signaling a shift towards a more robot-centric workforce.
Once fully operational, the Shreveport center will cover an area equivalent to 55 football fields and will employ around 2,500 individuals. As Brady points out, automation technologies enable humans to concentrate on tasks that require skills beyond a robot’s capabilities, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and contextual understanding.
The Future of Humanoid Robots at Amazon
Although Agility’s Digit robot was showcased during the 2023 event, there were few updates regarding Amazon’s humanoid robot initiatives. The company continues to explore the potential roles of bipedal robots in fulfillment centers, having engaged in a pilot program with Agility that has yet to produce tangible results.
“We’re still learning,” Brady said about the partnership. The gradual pace is attributed to the challenge of integrating new technologies into existing workflows. He emphasized the importance of defining specific problems before applying new technology, as forcing a solution that doesn’t fit can lead to complications.
Collaborations and Advancements in AI
One noteworthy partnership that has gained clarity is Amazon’s collaboration with Covariant, a UC Berkeley spinoff. In August, Amazon announced the hiring of Covariant’s founders and a portion of its team to expand the application of foundational AI models within industrial settings. For instance, the robotic arm Sparrow can now handle over 200 million unique products, but challenges remain in addressing edge cases, which will depend on improved AI systems and human intervention.
Brady stated, “We’re starting to work on some really meaty, very applied problems for machine learning,” highlighting the potential of this collaboration to enhance Amazon’s operational efficiency.
Conclusion
As Amazon continues to refine its robotics capabilities, the integration of AI and existing technologies is poised to reshape the future of fulfillment centers. With a focus on efficiency and the evolving role of human workers alongside advanced robotics, the company is well-positioned to navigate the changing landscape of automation.