Amazon, as reported by Interesting Engineering, will test out one of its first humanoid robots, 'Digit,' in a bid to increase warehouse automation. 'Digit' will work "collaboratively" with workers to move items dubbed "tote recycling."
Amazon announced recently 'Digit' is still in the very early stages of development, requiring some time before it's actually on operational warehouse floors.
Amazon started testing 'Digit' at experimental facilities this week. The device will first be used to transport empty tote boxes.
The Seattle Times reported that 'Digit' is described as a humanoid robot, specifically with two arms, two legs, a blue torso, and two square lights for eyes.
Amazon also noted that 'Digit' is designed with a size and shape suited for human-designed buildings.
'Digit' spins around and bends as it goes forward and backward. They can reach, grip, and lift Amazon's trademark yellow bags, which transport things around Amazon facilities.
Amazon claimed 'Digit' will assist its human colleagues with tote recycling by picking up and relocating empty totes once all products have been retrieved.
Amazon's "Delivering the Future" Event
According to the same report, Amazon made multiple announcements Wednesday at the company's "Delivering the Future" event, an annual summary of upgrades to Amazon's transportation, delivery, and fulfillment network.
Amazon's most notable announcement aside from its new humanoid robot is its collaboration with MIT and Ipsos to better understand how automation affects the jobs Amazon workers do and how it can support their careers as new technologies emerge.
Recently, the company has also incorporated 'Sequoia', which was claimed to be a new robotic system that enables it to recognize and store products received at its fulfillment facilities 75 percent faster than in the past.
'Sequoia' is said to "revolutionize inventory management and expedite deliveries."
Amazon also noted it will use artificial intelligence technology that assists Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) with fleet maintenance and saves drivers time by automating a portion of the post-trip inspection procedure.
The event was conducted in BFI1, one of Amazon's few warehouses in Sumner, where it tests new technology, equipment, and work practices.
The Sumner facility cluster comprises both experimental warehouses and operational locations.
Amazon's "People and Technology" Philosophy
This is a significant push for Amazon, as it has continuously aimed to increase warehouse automation throughout the years.
Amazon first ventured into robotics when the company invested in Kiva, which it stated to be a gamble on predicting the role of innovation in helping satisfy the demands of Amazon customers "while making work safer, simpler, and more productive for employees."
Amazon claims that over the last ten years, the company has deployed hundreds of thousands of robot systems while adding hundreds of thousands of additional workers to its operations.
It includes 700 new jobs in skilled professions that did not previously exist inside the organization.
The company clarified Amazon's warehouse automation vision as a move towards a "people and technology" philosophy rather than replacing one over the other.
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