Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

amazon robotics

Amazon marks deployment of 1 millionth robot and unveils new AI foundation model for its robots

by

Amazon Robotics has reached two major milestones in its robotics and AI operations: the deployment of its one millionth robot and the launch of a new generative AI foundation model designed to optimize its global fleet of warehouse robots.

The new AI model, called DeepFleet, is expected to improve robot travel efficiency by 10 percent across Amazon’s fulfillment network, which spans more than 300 facilities worldwide. The company says the technology will support faster customer deliveries and reduce operational costs.

“Think of DeepFleet as an intelligent traffic system for our robotic fleet,” writes Scott Dresser, vice president of Amazon Robotics, in a blog post on one of the company’s websites. “It optimizes how robots move within our facilities, reducing congestion and improving efficiency.” [Read more…] about Amazon marks deployment of 1 millionth robot and unveils new AI foundation model for its robots

MassRobotics announces its 2025 Robotics Medal winners and Rising Stars

by

MassRobotics, a robotics innovation organization, announced its 2025 Robotics Medal and Rising Star recipients at the IEEE ICRA conference in Atlanta.

The Robotics Medal is the world’s first major award to recognize the wide-ranging impact of female researchers focusing on the development of robotics around the globe.

The Robotics Medal is awarded to a nominated woman researcher in robotics to recognize her impactful contributions to the field and includes a $50,000 prize awarded to the individual. [Read more…] about MassRobotics announces its 2025 Robotics Medal winners and Rising Stars

Amazon unveils Project Vulcan: A ‘fundamental leap forward in robotics’ with a sense of touch

by

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer and one of the world’s biggest users of robotics technology, has recently unveiled Project Vulcan – a new robot designed to work alongside human employees in its warehouses and fulfillment centers.

This innovative robot is equipped with “force feedback sensors” at the end of its arm and grabbing tool, giving it a sense of touch.

This allows Vulcan to understand and control the amount of force it applies when pushing or grabbing items, enabling it to handle a wide range of products, including fragile ones, without causing damage. [Read more…] about Amazon unveils Project Vulcan: A ‘fundamental leap forward in robotics’ with a sense of touch

FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

by

Logistics company FedEx is reportedly increasing its robotics operations to see off the challenge from Amazon, according to the New York Times. 

The company has been testing a number of robotic vehicles in its warehouses since last year and is said to be ready to take the next step.

FedEx is said to be partnering with Vecna, a supplier of logistics robots, to automate its warehouses and take the load off human employees.

FedEx also seems to be employing Savioke robots (unit in main picture) for work in the repair and maintenance department.

[Read more…] about FedEx stepping up robotics operations to see off Amazon

Amazon to open logistics facility in New York

by

Amazon, the online retail giant with a growing range of business units, one of which is Amazon Robotics, is opening a new logistics facility in New York.

The Staten Island warehouse will create 2,250 new jobs for humans but it’s not clear how many robots Amazon will integrate into the facility.

So far, Amazon is said to have manufactured 100,000 logistics robots, which are small autonomous vehicles used to move boxes and shelf units around.  [Read more…] about Amazon to open logistics facility in New York

Amazon has 100,000 robots working at its warehouses worldwide

by

Amazon is estimated to have a total of 100,000 robots working at its numerous locations worldwide, according to a report on the Seattle Times website. 

And so far this year, the company has produced 55,000 of the little machines.

The world’s largest online retailer bought logistics robot-maker Kiva Systems in 2012 and has since built a separate business unit – Amazon Robotics – based on the technology it acquired.

The main robot is a small mobile platform for use in warehouses, and it’s manufactured in Amazon Robotics research and production facility in North Reading, Massachusetts, in the US (video below).