Amazon is accelerating the automation of its warehouses using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The goal is to improve the speed and quality of work in its operations while utilizing cutting-edge technology.
The company showed off its new robotic arm “Blue Jay”, which can pick, sort, and assemble products in a single workstation. The Blue Jay is currently being tested in South Carolina and was followed by the “Vulcan” robot that can sense objects while working.
According to Tye Brady, chief technologist of Amazon Robotics, AI has reduced the time it takes to design and build a robot by nearly two-thirds—from the usual three years, to just over a year. “That’s the power of AI,” Brady said.
Brady assured that robots will not take away people's jobs. Instead, they are designed to make their employees' jobs safer, smarter, and easier.
In addition to warehouse automation, Amazon also showed off an AI agent that can manage robots and teams simultaneously. They also have new smart glasses with a camera and navigation system to help drivers deliver orders.
