Amazon Builds First Fully Autonomous Delivery Robot For Warehouses

[Comprehensive report by FuninUSA.net] Amazon demonstrated its first fully automated moving robot for warehouses last Wednesday. This robot, called Proteus, will soon be deployed in fulfillment centers and sorting centers. Amazon built its robotics business 10 years ago by acquiring robotics company Kiva Systems.

The e-commerce giant has long said its ultimate goal is to build warehouse robots that "work alongside" humans rather than replace them. Unlike other warehouse robots, Proteus can actually "work" safely alongside humans.

Amazon said in a blog post: "Historically, it has been difficult to safely integrate robotics technology into the same physical space as people, and we believe Proteus will change that while remaining smart, safe, and collaborative."

With advanced safety, perception and navigation technology, Proteus can automatically move around people while working, so it does not have to be restricted to restricted areas.

The robot, which looks a bit like a Roomba, will first be deployed to handle GoCarts - non-automated wheeled carts used to move packages around facilities. It slides right under the GoCart, lifting it up and getting it where it needs to go. Amazon says automating GoCart processing like this should help reduce the need for people to manually move heavy items around facilities.

Amazon also revealed that it is prototyping a robotic arm called Cardinal that can handle packages weighing up to 50 pounds. It uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to select a package from a pile, lift it, read the label, and precisely place it in GoCart. Use Cardinal to speed up packaging processing time by converting manual batch-based work into continuous automated work.

Amazon expects to deploy the technology in fulfillment centers next year.