According to Amazon, the new system features robots designed to work alongside humans rather than replace them. Robotic storage technology director David Guerin says a significant portion of his operations will use them in the next three to five years.
A new sorting and grouping machine moves containers from the top of shelves to a newly designed ergonomic workstation that aligns workers “in their power zone, between mid-thigh and mid-chest height.” “. This could increase safety and reduce injuries because workers do not have to reach or bend to grab heavy objects.
The basic components of Amazon’s latest system are already on display, as the company discusses the developments of its warehouse robots and artificial intelligence over the past year. The company’s Sparrow robotic arm can identify products inside containers and remove them. There are also the autonomous Proteus and Hercules robots that roll like robovacs and can lift and move shelves, distribute containers, and deliver products around the building so humans don’t have to.
Update October 18, 2023 2:14 pm ET: Added details and image from Amazon blog post.
