Amazon Plans to Swap Human Workers for Robots That Don’t Need Breaks

Amazon has long embraced robotics in its warehouses, using a variety of machines from squat bots to tall crane-like models. It’s like a capitalist, e-commerce droid world—just with worse names. While robots handle most warehouse tasks, package delivery remains largely untouched by automation—for now.

Amazon to Test Humanoid Robots for Last-Mile Deliveries in San Francisco

According to The Information, Amazon plans to test humanoid robots for final-stage package delivery in a small San Francisco indoor park. These bots are being trained to “spring out” of Rivian delivery vans and drop packages at customers’ doorsteps. Apologies in advance to your dog, whose dislike for delivery workers may soon extend to robots.

In 2025, Amazon is pairing its push for humanoid delivery robots with AI software to guide them to doorsteps. It may seem ambitious, especially with Alexa+ still not fully launched, but the company’s automation drive shows no signs of slowing. And, of course, with Amazon, that’s ultimately what this is all about.

Amazon’s Robotic Ambitions Highlight Ongoing Tensions with Human Labor

Amazon’s rocky relationship with its workforce makes its push for humanoid delivery robots look like an attempt to bypass labor issues. Robots won’t unionize or need breaks, making them an ideal replacement—from the company’s perspective. While robotic delivery sounds futuristic, it’s unclear who actually benefits besides Amazon. And honestly, I’m not thrilled about a robot that can’t tell the difference between a safe foyer and a doorstep.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Amazon can actually make robot delivery a reality. Humanoid robots still face major technical challenges—like reliably walking on two legs or lifting anything heavy. There’s no set timeline for when robots like Digit, made by Amazon partner Agility Robotics, will be ready for real-world use. So far, Digit is only tested in controlled factory settings—not in chaotic city streets like New York.But that won’t stop Amazon from trying. Good luck to Digit—or whichever robot ends up landing this unpaid, permanent internship with Amazon. Based on how past human workers have been treated, they’re going to need it.

Read the original article on: Gizmodo

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