Vertex Automation strives to drive our client’s business forward with robotic systems that simplify tasks and increase productivity, output, and efficiency. If you’re ever unsure as to whether robotic automation can help your business, take a look at our below case study on how Amazon has streamlined its package-carrying throughout its facilities.
Amazon last week unveiled its first fully autonomous mobile robot, named Proteus, which will lift and move package-carrying carts through its facilities.
Proteus will first be deployed in outbound handling areas for GoCarts — non-automated, wheeled transports used to move packages — in fulfillment centers and sort centers, according to a company blog post. It autonomously moves in facilities and around employees via technology Amazon developed.
“Our vision is to automate GoCart handling throughout the network, which will help reduce the need for people to manually move heavy objects through our facility and instead let them focus on more rewarding work,” reads Amazon’s blog post.
Insight
The presence of robots in Amazon’s massive fulfillment network has grown rapidly since 2012, when the company acquired Kiva Systems and began using robotics in its facilities.
Three years ago, Amazon already had more than 200,000 robotic drive units deployed. Today, it’s more than 520,000, and the company counts more than a dozen types of robotic systems in its facilities.
Less prevalent today are end-to-end automated factories. These factories can run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without human supervision.
Amazon’s continued push to invest in robotics comes as the company has suddenly found itself overstaffed at its facilities after years of rapid expansion to keep up with the e-commerce boom. It’s also faced union drives and continued complaints about its warehouse safety record.
Amazon’s recordable incident rates were higher than average compared to warehouse peers, CEO Andy Jassy disclosed in his 2021 Letter to Shareholders, citing U.S. public numbers.
“At our scale (we hired over 300,000 people in 2021 alone, many of whom were new to this sort of work and needed training), it takes rigorous analysis, thoughtful problem-solving, and a willingness to invent to get to where you want,” Jassy wrote.
Amazon has touted the robots it deploys for their ability to ease the physical burden on employees. Other companies from a variety of sectors are also investing more in robotics to meet higher demand and maximise employee productivity in a challenging labour environment.
While Amazon has deployed a variety of robots throughout its supply chain, Proteus stands out for its ability to navigate unrestricted areas employees are present in.
“Historically, it’s been difficult to safely incorporate robotics in the same physical space as people,” reads Amazon’s blog post. “We believe Proteus will change that while remaining smart, safe, and collaborative.”
Want to know how to move your business forward with robotic automation? Contact Vertex Automation to discuss how we can help automate your business. If you have any further questions or would like to know more don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions!
