Amazon reaches one million warehouse robots
Around 75% of Amazon deliveries globally are now supported in some way by robotic systems.
Amazon has reached a major milestone with over one million robots now operating in its warehouses.
The one millionth robot, recently deployed to a facility in Japan, marks 13 years since the tech giant began introducing automation through its acquisition of Kiva Systems in 2012.
The robotic presence is fast approaching parity with Amazon’s human workforce, according to The Wall Street Journal. Robots now assist in around 75% of the company’s global deliveries.
The company continues to upgrade its robotic fleet, recently unveiling Vulcan — a dual-armed model equipped with a suction grip and a sense of touch to handle items more delicately.
Amazon is also introducing DeepFleet, a new generative AI model built using Amazon SageMaker.
Designed to optimise robotic movement within fulfilment centres, DeepFleet is expected to improve fleet speed by 10%. The model is trained on Amazon’s operational data, making it highly tailored to the company’s logistical network.
The expansion comes as Amazon opens next-generation fulfilment centres featuring ten times more robots instead of relying solely on existing warehouse models. The first of these facilities opened in late 2024 in Shreveport, Louisiana, signalling a shift toward even greater automation.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
