Amazon Unveils AI-Powered Warehouse Robots and Expands Delivery Network in Europe
Amazon has unveiled a new AI-powered warehouse robot at its Dartford fulfillment center in the UK. The upgraded Proteus robot can now respond to conversational instructions and move throughout warehouse floors, a significant improvement from its predecessor. This advancement is part of Amazon's push to automate operations and enhance delivery speed. The new Proteus is set to start operating in Europe in the first half of 2027.
In addition to the new warehouse robot, Amazon also introduced other robotics technologies at the event. STARK, a robotic tote-handling system, will be deployed at 15 European facilities by 2027. Vulcan, Amazon's first robot with a sense of touch, is designed to handle items with greater precision. These innovations aim to further streamline operations and improve efficiency within Amazon's fulfillment network.
Amazon is expanding its delivery network in Europe, with plans to open over 25 sub-same-day delivery facilities across the region this year. The company will also expand its ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now, to Manchester and Birmingham in the UK. Same-day grocery delivery is already available in numerous cities in the US and parts of Tokyo, with further expansion planned in Japan, the UK, and other international markets.
Furthermore, Amazon announced the upcoming launch of Alexa+, its next-generation artificial intelligence assistant, in 10 additional countries in 2027. These investments are part of Amazon's broader strategy to increase spending on AI technologies and infrastructure. The company aims to accelerate its investments in artificial intelligence, data centers, and automation technologies, with a forecasted capital expenditure of approximately $200 billion this year, representing a significant increase from the previous year.