Amazon is reportedly training humanoid robots to deliver packages

Future Amazon orders may be delivered to your door by a humanoid robot workforce. The Information reports that Amazon is developing AI software that will enable robots to operate as package delivery workers that are ferried around in Rivian electric vans, and will soon be ready to start real-world testing at a new facility. Citing an anonymous source “involved in the effort,” The Information says that Amazon has almost finished constructing an indoor “humanoid park” at one of the retail giant’s San Francisco offices that’s roughly the size of a coffee shop. The obstacle course reportedly contains one Rivian van for training purposes, with Amazon aiming to have humanoid robots “hitch a ride in the back of Amazon’s electric Rivian vans and spring out to deliver packages.” The report coincides with Amazon launching a new agentic AI team to help develop technologies that will power robots “operating in Amazon distribution and logistics hubs.” In a statement to Silicon Valley, Amazon says that “instead of rigid, specialized robots, we’re creating systems that can hear, understand, and act on natural language commands, turning warehouse robots into flexible, multi-talented assistants.” Amazon is already using a variety of autonomous robots in its warehouse operations, including a trial of Agility Robotics’ humanoid “Digit” — a robot that was originally pitched for tasks like sitting in the back of vans and delivering packages, alongside other logistics uses. Amazon’s training facility is a concerted effort to make this original vision a reality. The Information reports that a “variety” of humanoid robots will be tested for package delivery at its facility, including a $16,000 unit from China-based Unitree. Hundreds of thousands of people currently handle delivery operations at Amazon globally. Amazon acquired the robotaxi company Zoox in 2020, suggesting a desire to fully automate end-to-end package delivery, from the warehouse to your front door.