Amazon Set to Have More Robots Than Humans in Warehouses

Amazon has officially deployed its one millionth robot, putting it on the verge of having more machines than human workers in its global operations.

The e-commerce giant has unveiled a new AI-powered foundation model, DeepFleet, which promises to make its vast robotic fleet significantly more efficient. The model acts like an intelligent traffic controller for the company’s warehouse robots.

The company now operates the world’s largest industrial mobile robot network, spread across more than 300 global facilities.

The milestone robot was delivered to a fulfilment centre in Japan.

Built using Amazon’s massive operational data and AWS tools like SageMaker, DeepFleet is designed to optimise robotic movement across fulfilment centres, improving travel efficiency by 10%.

“Think of DeepFleet as a smart traffic system in a busy city,” said Scott Dresser, VP of Amazon Robotics. “It reduces congestion and finds better paths, making our robots and operations more efficient.”

Amazon’s robotic fleet includes models like Hercules, which can move over 560kg of inventory; Pegasus, which handles packages with conveyor precision; and Proteus, a fully autonomous bot that safely navigates around humans.

Robots now assist 75% of Amazon’s deliveries globally, according to The Wall Street Journal.

But despite growing fears of AI displacing workers, Amazon insists its approach is collaborative, not replacement-focused.

More than 700,000 employees have been upskilled through programs aimed at preparing them for roles in maintenance, robotics, and systems operations. At its new Louisiana facility, 30% more staff were hired to manage its advanced robotics.

While some critics, including Australian Labor MPs, have questioned Amazon’s labour practices and access to public contracts, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently welcomed Amazon’s $7 billion AI investment in Australia, saying it would create economic opportunity and boost advanced tech capability.