Online giant Amazon has unveiled its latest cutting edge warehouse robot alongside a host of other advancements
Amazon has unveiled a hi-tech robot that can work anywhere in its vast warehouses.
The latest version of its Proteus machine uses cutting edge technology to operate in areas that robots have been unable to before.
Rather than inside cages, as is the case with other robots in online giant Amazon’s fulfilment centres, the new model can lift heavy loads alongside employees. The use of artificial intelligence also means it can listen to instructions given by those workers.
However, the advancement raises fresh concerns that the technology will replace warehouse workers, especially as gadgetry developed by Amazon has the potential to be used in some form by other businesses.
It comes amid reports that Asda is set to axe up to 1,000 jobs as it accelerates the use of automation in its warehouses.
An existing version of the Proteus robot is already operating in 25 Amazon fulfilment centres in the US. The new version will be introduced in other countries, including the UK.
Tye Brady, Amazon’s chief technologist for robotics, speaking on the sidelines of an Amazon event in Dartford, Kent, insisted: “It is not people versus machines. It is about working together.”
Amazon is keen to stress the huge numbers of jobs that have been created elsewhere in the business from advancements in robotics, AI and other technology.
However, the development of the Proteus robot – and its ability to do tasks humans can perform – begs the questions about whether certain warehouse roles will be replaced. Mr Brady told the Mirror “manual, mundane and repetitive” work could be done by the robots instead.
He added that the technology “represents where we are heading”, suggesting many more advancements in robots were on the cards, with the potential impact on human warehouse workers. Mr Brady said robots reduced human injuries in warehouses and sped up the process of transporting items.
It is not just in warehouses where concerns exist, with Amazon also launching a trial of drone deliveries in Darlington. While very small scale for now, the company hopes to increase its reach, in a potential blow to human delivery drivers.
The event, called Delivering the Future, also included plans for the company to expand its ultra-vast Amazon Now delivery option. Already in London, the service will be launched in Manchester, Birmingham for the first time.
Amazon Now allows items to go from ordered to delivered in 30 minutes or less. The fasted despatch given at the event was a protein bar that was delivered in just five minutes.
