Amazon deploys 1 millionth robot as AI-driven automation surges

Amazon deployed its one millionth robot as the world's largest online retailer continues to expand its use of artificial intelligence (AI) driven automation. The milestone robot was recently delivered to a fulfillment center in Japan, joining Amazon’s global network that now spans more than 300 facilities worldwide.

Amazon also introduced a new generative AI foundation model designed to make its entire fleet of robots smarter and more efficient. Called DeepFleet, this AI technology will coordinate the movement of robots across Amazon’s fulfillment network, improving the travel time of its robotic fleet by 10 percent and enabling the firm to deliver packages to customers faster and at lower costs.

Amazon has deployed more than 750,000 robots across its operations network since 2012. Earlier this year, Amazon was predicted to invest US$25 billion in a new generation of robotics-led warehouses to improve efficiency and delivery times across its retail network.

Amazon is making AI-driven automation smarter

DeepFleet is like an “intelligent traffic management system” for a city filled with cars moving through congested streets, according to Scott Dresser, VP, Amazon Robotics. “Just as a smart traffic system could reduce wait times and create better routes for drivers, DeepFleet coordinates our robots’ movements to optimize how they navigate our fulfillment centers. This means less congestion, more efficient paths and faster processing of customer orders.”

Built using the company’s rich and extensive data sets of inventory movement within its sites and leveraging AWS tools, this new AI model redefines fleet efficiency. “It allows us to store more products closer to customers, leading to faster delivery and lower costs,” Dresser added. What’s more, because it is built on AI that learns and improves over time, it will continue to find new ways to optimize how robots work together.

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A practical approach to AI innovation

DeepFleet represents a practical approach to AI innovation, according to Dresser. “Rather than pursuing technology for its own sake, we’re focused on solving real problems. By reducing robot travel time by 10 percent, we’re not just improving efficiency – we’re creating tangible benefits: faster delivery times, lower operational costs and reduced energy usage.”

This is how Amazon makes generative AI work in the real world, delivering concrete value for both employees and customers, he added. “What makes our approach to robotics and AI unique is how we combine innovation with real-world impact.” Amazon manufactures its robots in the US, working with local suppliers while deploying globally. This allows it to maintain high quality standards while creating a valuable feedback loop among designers, manufacturing teams and front-line employees.

“As DeepFleet learns from more data, it will continue to get smarter – driving deeper efficiencies, unlocking more selection closer to customers and reimagining what's possible in robotic logistics,” Dresser said.

Generative AI and AI agents will reduce Amazon’s staff

Generative AI and AI agents will reduce Amazon’s staff, according to CEO Andy Jassy. In a publicly shared note to employees last month, Jassy said that the company’s use of generative AI and AI agents “will reduce our total corporate workforce.”

As Amazon rolls out more generative AI and AI agents, it should “change the way” work is done, Jassy stated. “We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs.”

Amazon is using generative AI in “virtually every corner of the company” to make customers lives better and easier, Jassy said. “What started as deep conviction that every customer experience would be reinvented using AI, and that altogether new experiences we’ve only dreamed of would become possible, is rapidly becoming reality.”

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