Amazon Reaches 1 Million Robot Milestone with New AI Technology

Amazon has achieved a significant milestone in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) by deploying its 1 millionth robot. This robot was recently delivered to a fulfillment center in Japan, expanding Amazon's global network that now spans over 300 facilities worldwide.

The company is also introducing a new generative AI foundation model called DeepFleet, designed to make the entire fleet of robots smarter and more efficient. DeepFleet will coordinate the movement of robots across Amazon's fulfillment network, improving travel time by 10%, and enabling faster delivery and lower costs for customers.

"I'm excited to share two significant milestones in Amazon's robotics and AI journey," said a company spokesperson. "We've just deployed our 1 millionth robot, building on our position as the world's largest manufacturer and operator of mobile robotics. This milestone robot was recently delivered to a fulfillment center in Japan, joining our global network that now spans more than 300 facilities worldwide."

DeepFleet functions as an intelligent traffic management system, optimizing how robots navigate fulfillment centers. This means less congestion, more efficient paths, and faster processing of customer orders. Built using Amazon's extensive data sets and AWS tools, including Amazon SageMaker, DeepFleet redefines fleet efficiency and will continue to improve over time.

Amazon's robotics journey began in 2012 with a single type of robot that could move inventory shelves across warehouse floors. Today, the company operates a diverse fleet of robots designed to make employees' jobs easier and safer. Hercules robots can lift and move up to 1,250 pounds of inventory, Pegasus robots use precision conveyor belts to handle individual packages, and Proteus, Amazon's first fully autonomous mobile robot, can safely navigate around employees in open areas.

These robots work alongside employees, handling heavy lifting and repetitive tasks while creating new opportunities for skill development. Since 2019, Amazon has upskilled over 700,000 employees through various training initiatives, many focused on working with advanced technologies. At the next-generation fulfillment center launched in Shreveport, Louisiana, advanced robotics require 30% more employees in reliability, maintenance, and engineering roles.

DeepFleet represents Amazon's practical approach to AI innovation, focusing on solving real problems. By reducing robot travel time by 10%, the company is improving efficiency, delivery times, and operational costs while reducing energy usage. This is how Amazon is making generative AI work in the real world, delivering concrete value for both employees and customers.

The technology not only moves products but also transforms workplace safety and creates new career opportunities. Robots handle the heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, reducing physical strain. Through programs like Amazon Career Choice, a prepaid tuition program for front-line employees, the company is helping employees gain skills needed for technical roles in systems operations and other high-demand fields.

Looking ahead, Amazon continues to innovate and combine technology with real-world impact. The company manufactures its robots in the United States, working with local suppliers while deploying globally. This allows for maintaining high quality standards and a valuable feedback loop among designers, manufacturing teams, and front-line employees.