Amazon developing humanoid robots for package delivery
Get ready for a futuristic delivery! Future Amazon orders could soon arrive at your door thanks to a humanoid robot workforce. According to The Information, Amazon is developing advanced AI software to power these robots, which will operate as package delivery workers transported by Rivian electric vans. The company is reportedly almost ready to begin real-world testing at a new facility.
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Citing an anonymous source close to the project, The Information states that Amazon has nearly finished building an indoor “humanoid park” at one of its San Francisco offices. This training facility, about the size of a coffee shop, reportedly features a Rivian van for practice. Amazon’s vision is for these humanoid robots to “hitch a ride in the back of Amazon’s electric Rivian vans and spring out to deliver packages.”
This initiative aligns with Amazon’s recent creation of a new agentic AI team, specifically dedicated to developing technologies for robots within Amazon’s distribution and logistics hubs. Amazon has stated its focus is on creating systems that can “hear, understand, and act on natural language commands,” transforming warehouse robots into flexible, multi-talented assistants, moving away from rigid, specialized machines.
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Amazon already uses various autonomous robots in its warehouses and is currently trailing Agility Robotics’ humanoid “Digit.” Digit was initially designed for tasks like riding in vans and delivering packages, alongside other logistics uses. Amazon’s new training facility is a concerted effort to make this original vision a reality. The Information also reports that a “variety” of humanoid robots will be tested for package delivery at the facility, including a $16,000 unit from China-based Unitree.
Hundreds of thousands of people currently handle Amazon’s global delivery operations. Amazon’s acquisition of the robotaxi company Zoox in 2020 further emphasizes its long-term goal of fully automating end-to-end package delivery, from the warehouse all the way to your front door.
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