Amazon’s Tye Brady discusses the next generation of robotic warehouses
For the last several years, the Delivering the Future event has showcased the latest technologies powering Amazon operations.
For the last several years, the Delivering the Future event has showcased the latest technologies powering Amazon operations. Seattle’s 2023 event showcased updates to the company’s pharmacy offerings and drone deliveries.
Amazon's Robotics Evolution: A Conversation with Tye Brady
At Amazon's annual Re:Mars event in Nashville, the company showcased its latest advancements in AI and computer vision for package delivery. However, the real excitement lies in the company's rapid robotics evolution over the past year. TechCrunch sat down with Amazon Robotics chief technologist Tye Brady to discuss the company's robotics journey and what's in store for the next 12 months.
Robot Deployment and Expansion
Amazon currently has over 750,000 robots deployed in its U.S. fulfillment centers, with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) making up the majority of the fleet. These AMRs, also known as tote robots, have been patrolling warehouse floors since Amazon acquired Kiva Systems in 2012. The company has also introduced robotic aRMs, including Robin, Cardinal, and Sparrow, which are tasked with sorting and stacking objects. These robots have been instrumental in increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
The latest addition to the Amazon Robotics family is Sequoia, an automated storage and retrieval system unveiled at the 2023 Delivering the Future event. The first Sequoia system went live in Houston, and a larger system has been installed in a Shreveport, Louisiana fulfillment center. This system is 5x larger than the initial deployment and forms the heart of a massive 3 million square foot warehouse. The Sequoia system is designed to optimize storage and retrieval of products, allowing Amazon to increase its storage capacity and reduce the need for human intervention.
Retrofitting Existing warehouses
Amazon is focused on retrofitting existing brownfield warehouses rather than building new greenfield facilities. This approach allows the company to work around existing delivery operations and "fix the airplane while it's flying," as Brady puts it. The Shreveport center, the first of Amazon's "Gen 12" buildings, will utilize 10x the number of robots as its predecessors and will employ 2,500 humans. This approach not only reduces construction costs but also allows Amazon to quickly adapt to changing market demands.
Robot-Centric Jobs and Human Roles
The increased use of robots will lead to more robot-centric jobs, including 25% more RME (reliability maintenance engineering) roles. Brady emphasizes that humans are still better suited for problem-solving, common sense, thinking with reason, understanding the big picture, and understanding context. Some physical tasks, such as those requiring human dexterity, will also remain the domain of humans. For example, humans will continue to be responsible for tasks that require precision, such as packing fragile items or handling high-value products.
Humanoid Robots and Partnerships
Amazon's partnership with Agility, which showcased the Digit robot at Re:Mars 2023, is still active but has been quiet since the pilot's completion. Brady notes that the company is still learning and exploring the roles bipedal robots can play in its fulfillment centers. The partnership is focused on finding ways to integrate this technology into existing workflows, such as using the Digit robot to navigate tight spaces or handle fragile items.
Amazon has also partnered with Covariant, a UC Berkeley spinoff, to expand the role of foundational models in the industrial setting. Covariant's technology will help fine-tune product pick and placement, handling edge cases that require human intervention. This partnership will enable Amazon to improve its product handling and reduce errors, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Amazon's robotics story is one of continuous evolution and expansion. The company's focus on retrofitting existing warehouses and integrating new technologies into existing workflows will lead to increased efficiency and productivity. As the company continues to explore the potential of robotics and AI, it's clear that humans will remain an essential part of the equation, working alongside machines to solve complex problems and drive innovation. With its continued investment in robotics and AI, Amazon is poised to revolutionize the logistics industry and set a new standard for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
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