Amazon’s latest venture into robotics is seeing it put humanoid robots in its US warehouses. The robot marks a departure from other industrial robots previously utilised as wheels are ditched for bipedal movements.
The focus of trials is on a humanoid robot named Digit, a bipedal robot equipped with appendages capable of manipulating objects and navigate complex environments. Unlike traditional wheeled robots, Digit utilises legs for movement, providing it with the unique ability to negotiate steps and varied terrains within Amazon’s expansive facilities. This shift from wheel to bipedal is not just an Amazon endeavour, major robotics companies like Boston Dynamics have increasingly seen the utility of using bipedal robots for industrial applications.
Amazon’s journey into robotics began with its acquisition of Kiva Systems in 2012, signifying a major investment in automation to enhance warehouse operations. Since then, the company has continually expanded its robotics arsenal, which now comprises over 750,000 machines that work collaboratively with human staff to perform a variety of tasks.
Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, has consistently highlighted the transformative potential of robotics and AI within the retail and logistics industries. Reflecting on the future trajectory of Amazon, Bezos has noted: “The interplay of advanced robotics with artificial intelligence is set to remain at the vanguard of technological innovation, bolstering productivity and customer satisfaction.”
Unions around the world have raised concerns about a potential trend toward job displacement. Amazon’s push to introduce robots and humans working side by side, known as ‘cobots’ has seen it engage in questionable ideas, like patent a system that would put workers in a cage, on top of a robot. Yet Amazon asserts that its robotics program has been instrumental in creating new jobs, citing the introduction of 700 new job categories that did not previously exist within the company.
Moreover, the retail giant’s robotic initiatives extend beyond warehouse automation to ventures such as drone delivery. Through its Prime Air program, Amazon is exploring the use of drones to transform package delivery, potentially reshaping the last-mile delivery segment with the innovative use of aerial delivery solutions.
Despite concerns about the implications of automation for employment, Amazon’s experience suggests a different narrative—one where automation acts as a catalyst for expansion and innovation, evidenced by the new roles in robot maintenance and programming that have emerged in response to these technological advancements.
The trial of Digit is part of a broader exploration into the safe integration of mobile robots and manipulators within Amazon’s operational sphere. According to Amazon Robotics’ Chief Technologist, Tye Brady, while Digit represents a step forward in robotics, the human element remains irreplaceable due to the advanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities that are essential to the company’s operations.
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