As a logistics giant, Amazon already uses robots in its warehouses. Most recently, the company presented Vulcan, a robot capable of "feeling" what it touches and acting accordingly, just like a human would. In 2023, the group also "hired" humanoid robots called Digits for multipurpose uses, but still in warehouses.
However, Amazon is going a step further with this project revealed by the website The Information. The company is reportedly planning to replace some of its human delivery drivers with robots. Delivery is expensive, so all means are good to automate it...
A "humanoid park" is reportedly being finalized near San Francisco; The site is known for testing robots in a closed environment. Amazon is reportedly driving a Rivian van around to simulate delivery scenarios. Field trips are also planned to train robots to deliver packages in real-life conditions, both on public roads and in domestic environments.
And what about humans? While we wait for the advent of fully autonomous vans, real-life drivers are still essential behind the wheel of trucks full of packages. Robots could help by delivering packages while the driver attends to another address.
Amazon is reportedly testing several models of humanoid robots, including those from Unitree, which have the advantage of being relatively affordable (starting at $16,000). The goal here is to collect as much data as possible to train more robust AI models. It remains to be seen whether bipedal package delivery robots will be accepted by consumers...
Source: The Information
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