Amazon develops a warehouse robot workers can speak to

Amazon has unveiled an upgraded version of its Proteus warehouse robot, now capable of processing verbal instructions from workers. Previously, employees had to use specialized software to direct the floor-level robots, which handle heavy lifting and cart movement. With the new AI-powered system, workers can simply tell the robot what needs to be done, and it determines the priority, route, and timing. The updated Proteus can operate across larger areas than its predecessors, which were limited to dock zones. It will transport containers upon arrival, move them between workstations, and assist employees in fulfillment centers and delivery sites. Amazon is currently testing the system in its labs but plans to roll it out in Europe starting in early 2027. This upgrade is part of Amazon’s broader robotics strategy, which also includes expanding its touch-sensitive Vulcan robot and a collaborative tote-handling system previously piloted in Barcelona. The company claims these advancements are designed to support workers rather than replace them, asserting it has hired hundreds of thousands of employees globally since introducing robotics. Amazon Robotics Vice President Scott Dresser emphasized the system’s efficiency, stating that workers can now communicate with the robot as they would with a colleague. The company maintains its investments in automation are meant to streamline operations while creating new job opportunities alongside technological advancements.