Amazon invests $745M into robotics in Europe

Amazon last week opened its Amazon Operations Innovation Lab in Vercelli, Italy, where it invested 700 million euros ($745.6 million) into development and deployment of warehouse robotics, AI and automation — tools that have been gaining momentum in the air cargo industry as more emphasis is placed on digitalization. The lab is a space for engineers and scientists from across the globe to develop and test new technologies and robots that will be used in warehouses across Amazon’s European markets by yearend, according to a release from the forwarder. [caption id="attachment_57142792" align="alignright" width="362"] (Courtesy/Amazon)[/caption] The Amazon Operations Innovation Lab was established in 2017 and has centers across Europe. The global airport robotics market was valued at $565 million in 2020 and is projected to grow to $2.6 billion by 2030, according to Allied Market Research . The warehouse robotics market was $6.1 billion globally in 2022, with estimates that it will be valued at about $16 billion by 2030, according to market research company Statista . Amazon additionally partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the development and deployment of robotics and automation to be used in warehouses globally in October. “The lab serves as the hub for the global mechatronics and sustainable packaging team,” an Amazon spokesperson told Air Cargo Next . “This team was formed in 2019, and by the end of 2024 will have been responsible for the installation of over 1,000 new robotics and AI-powered innovations throughout our European fulfillment center.” New robotics Amazon also recently announced it is testing a universal robotic labeler. The labeler is a “high-speed, auto-labeling technology that removes the need for repetitive tasks” and contributes to sustainability goals while improving the labeling process for Amazon shipments, Stefano La Rovere , director of worldwide robotics, global mechatronics and sustainable packaging at Amazon, said in a LinkedIn post. The high-speed auto-labeling technology improves label placement and adhesion on irregular surfaces. As technology addresses more tasks, it creates new roles for employees, the Amazon spokesperson said. “Over 50,000 jobs in fulfillment centers across Europe have been enhanced by the introduction of new technologies over the last decade, which support employees in their roles, providing them with a safer working environment and upskilling opportunities,” the spokesperson said. This year, Amazon will introduce 120 new robots or automation tasks into its warehouses. Testing for them is underway at the Italy innovation lab, the spokesperson said. In addition to the universal robotics labeler, other robotics in development include, according to the press release: Universal item sorter : The system uses wireless technology to move shuttles, called iBOTs, that deliver items to totes. Automated tote retriever : This tech retrieves totes, optimizing processes and improving safety and ergonomics for employees. Flat sorter robotic induct : This robot takes over repetitive tasks, making life easier for employees. With smart vision sensors, it identifies packages on the conveyor and a robotic arm picks them up and sends them to their next destination. Amazon did not disclose to Air Cargo Next which robotics would be internally developed versus which would be products of external technology companies. Editor’s note: All amounts have been converted to U.S. dollars.

Amazon invests $745M into robotics in Europe

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