Amazon has deployed its millionth robot and announced a new generative AI model for its mechanical assistants, designed to enhance their intelligence and efficiency, according to a press release.
“This landmark bot was recently delivered to a fulfillment center in Japan. It has joined our global network, which now spans over 300 facilities worldwide,” the company noted.
The new AI technology, DeepFleet, can coordinate the movement of robots across the delivery network. This will reduce the operating time of androids by 10% and speed up product shipments to customers, thereby lowering costs.
“Imagine DeepFleet as an intelligent traffic management system in a city filled with cars moving through congested streets. Just as a smart traffic system can reduce wait times and create better routes for drivers, DeepFleet coordinates the movements of our robots, optimizing their travel through fulfillment centers. This means less congestion, more efficient routes, and faster processing of customer orders,” Amazon explained.
The model is built on “rich and extensive” datasets regarding the movement of goods within the company. Tools such as AWS’s Amazon SageMaker were also employed.
“It allows us to store more products closer to customers, leading to faster delivery and reduced costs. And since the neural network is based on artificial intelligence that learns and improves over time, it will continue to find new ways to optimize the collaboration of our robots,” the firm stated.
Amazon employs various types of mechanical assistants for specific tasks:
- Hercules can lift goods weighing up to 567 kg;
- Pegasus uses precise conveyor belts for handling individual packages;
- Proteus, an autonomous mobile robot, can safely navigate among employees in open areas, moving heavy carts with customer orders.
Job Loss Concerns
The advancement of robotics promises increased productivity, yet it raises concerns about widespread job losses.
A survey published in March by Pew Research revealed that AI experts and the public view factories as one of the sectors most at risk of downsizing. Amazon appeared to address these concerns in its statement.
“Robots work alongside our employees, performing heavy and repetitive tasks, while creating new opportunities to develop the technical skills of our operators,” wrote Scott Dresser, Vice President of Amazon Robotics.
He added that Amazon’s “next-generation fulfillment center” in Shreveport, Louisiana, required 30% more staff focused on reliability, maintenance, and engineering.
Earlier, the company’s CEO Andy Jassy stated that the rapid integration of generative AI will lead to a reduction in the number of people performing certain types of jobs. The technology will be able to automate processes.
Jassy noted that even amid the elimination of some jobs, Amazon will continue to hire more employees in AI, robotics, and other fields. Nonetheless, in a June memo, the CEO indicated potential workforce reductions in the coming years due to technological progress.
In January 2024, it was reported that about 25% of CEOs worldwide are confident in laying off staff due to the global advancement of artificial intelligence.
In May 2025, Amazon introduced the Vulcan robot with a sense of touch.