After 13 years of integrating robots into its warehouses, Amazon has hit a major milestone: it now operates 1 million robots across its facilities, the company announced Monday. The one millionth unit was recently deployed at a fulfillment center in Japan.
Robots Now Support 75% of Amazon Deliveries
This achievement moves Amazon closer to another key benchmark — reaching parity between the number of robots and human workers in its warehouse network, according to The Wall Street Journal. The WSJ also noted that robots now assist with 75% of Amazon’s global deliveries.
TechCrunch has contacted Amazon for additional details.
Amazon also revealed a new generative AI model called DeepFleet, designed to optimize the movements of its warehouse robots. According to the company, DeepFleet will boost the fleet’s operational speed by 10% by streamlining route coordination.
SageMaker Powers Development of Amazon’s Warehouse AI
The model was developed using Amazon SageMaker, the company’s cloud-based AI development platform, and was trained on internal warehouse and inventory data.
Reaching the one million robot milestone reflects more than just scale — Amazon has been steadily advancing its robotic systems, introducing enhanced features and newer models over time.
In May, Amazon introduced its newest robot, Vulcan, featuring two specialized arms — one for moving inventory and another equipped with a camera and suction cup to pick up items. Amazon says Vulcan stands out for its ability to “feel” the objects it handles, thanks to a built-in sense of touch.
Amazon Launches Robot-Heavy Fulfillment Centers
Back in October 2024, Amazon announced plans for next-generation fulfillment centers designed to house ten times more robots than current facilities, while still employing human workers. The first of these advanced centers opened soon after in Shreveport, Louisiana, near the Texas border.
Amazon began expanding its robotics operations in 2012, following its acquisition of Kiva Systems.
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