Home> | Automation | >AGVs | >Amazon reflects on robotics and AI investment |
Home> | Automation | >Automated handling | >Amazon reflects on robotics and AI investment |
Home> | Automation | >Automated storage | >Amazon reflects on robotics and AI investment |
Amazon reflects on robotics and AI investment
17 April 2024
AMAZON DIRECTOR for global robotics - mechatronics and sustainable packaging Stefano La Rovere, says: “Over five years to the end of 2024, we will have invested over €700 million in the deployment of more than 1,000 robotics systems across our European fulfilment centre network.”
![Amazon-reflects-robotics-and-AI](https://wbp.managemyaccountonline.net/res/org0011/k561cc35fe639438.jpg)
In 2024 alone, we expect to introduce 120 new pieces of automation technologies across our European network.
These include:
1. Universal Robotic Labeller (URL)
A high-speed auto-labelling technology that improves label placement and adhesion on irregular surfaces. Its innovation lies in its ability to apply different types and dimensions of labels, and on different types of irregularly shaped products.
2. Universal Item Sorter (UIS)
Sorts thousands of products into shipping locations every day. Upon induction, the system utilises wireless technology to move shuttles, called iBOTs, that travel in various directions carrying the items and delivering each to a tote – already matched to its final destination. The system can accommodate up to 40 different totes, corresponding to 40 different destinations, in a compact footprint.
3. Automated Tote Retriever (ATR)
Complements the UIS. A shuttle connected to the UIS moves on a rail track along the full length of the UIS wall and receives notifications when a tote is full. In response, the shuttle moves towards the full tote, using a gripper to replace it with an empty one.
4. Bag Containerization Matrix Sorter (BCMS)
Optimises sorting capacity by identifying and grouping parcels with the same end destination within FCs, providing an ergonomic and space-efficient sortation capability, within a compact footprint. The system categorises packages into transportation bags, ready for last mile delivery. This avoids unnecessary double touch of the same parcel in an FC and in a sort-centre.
5. Automated Guided Cart (AGC)
A flat, autonomous robot on wheels that slides under stacks of empty totes, and automatically carts them around FCs.
6. Flat Sorter Robotic Induct (FSRI)
Ensures packages move through the FC at a smooth, steady, and ordered rate. With vision sensors, it spots packages wherever they end up on the conveyor, and a robotic arm swoops in to pick them up and send them on their way. Additionally, the robot's 'hand' uses suction cups to handle all sorts of packages.
7. Robotic Tote Palletizer (RTP)
It has two robotic arms working in harmony to condense several totes into double-stacked pallets. The first arm gathers three or four layers of totes on a single pallet, while the second stacks two pallets on top of each other, creating a single unit. The RTP then ties everything safely together with straps, and applies a shipping label.
8. Amazon’s automated packaging technology
Creates custom-fit paper bags on demand by scanning items and calculating the right amount of paper needed. This machine packs individual items – such as video games, sports equipment, and office supplies – in made-to-measure paper bags.
- Trump turns Twitter gun on Amazon
- Amazon enhances warehouse safety focus
- Think tank seeks to debunk Amazon employment myth
- Robotics to power new DC for Amazon
- Amazon launches apprenticeship scheme for warehouse workers
- Amazon brings next-gen robot tech to Europe
- Amazon announces 1,000 new jobs
- Amazon to open robot-driven Warrington DC
- Warehousing spared in latest Amazon job cuts
- The Peak - who's hiring?