Amazon Unveils New Artificial Intelligence Warehouse Robot in Europe
- tech360.tv
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Amazon unveiled an upgraded artificial intelligence-powered mobile robot for its warehouses that can respond to conversational prompts. The launch is part of USD 11.6 billion investment in its European fulfilment network.
The Seattle-based e-commerce giant showcased the next-generation Proteus robot at its Delivering the Future event at its Dartford fulfilment centre east of London. The company is working to speed up deliveries.
The current Proteus operates only in dock areas and moves carts weighing up to nearly 400 kg. This current model is deployed at 25 U.S. sites.
The new version can operate across warehouse floors and marks a shift in how employees interact with robots. It is due in Europe in the first half of 2027.
Vice President of Amazon Robotics Scott Dresser stated that employees tell the robot what needs to be done. Dresser noted that the robot figures out the priority, the route, and the timing.
Amazon also showcased STARK, which is a robotic tote-handling system first piloted in Barcelona. The system is set to roll out to 15 European sites by 2027.
The company also displayed Vulcan, which is its first robot with a sense of touch.
Amazon announced it will launch more than 25 sub-same-day delivery sites across Europe this year, including in Britain, and Germany. Amazon Now, which is an ultra-fast essentials delivery service, will expand to Manchester, and Birmingham in Britain.
Same-day delivery for fresh groceries is now available in more than 2,300 U.S. cities, and parts of Tokyo. Further expansion is planned in Japan, Britain, and other countries in the coming months.
Amazon also stated that Alexa+, its next-generation artificial intelligence assistant, will launch in 10 additional countries in 2027.
In February, Amazon forecast a more than 50% jump in capital expenditure to SGD 269,340,000,000 this year. The company joins its peers in a spending spree to ramp up artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Amazon introduced an upgraded Proteus mobile robot that responds to conversational prompts as part of a major European investment.
The new robot model will debut on European warehouse floors in the first half of 2027.
The company showcased additional robotic technologies named STARK, and Vulcan.
Source: REUTERS
