Amazon updates Proteus warehouse robot so workers can speak to it

In short: Amazon has announced a new version of its Proteus warehouse robot that workers can give tasks to using everyday language.

What happened

Amazon says its updated Proteus robot can now “interact using language instead of code.” In simple terms, a warehouse worker should be able to tell the robot what to do, similar to giving instructions to a coworker.

In the past, workers had to use specialized software to direct Proteus. Amazon describes Proteus as a floor-level robot built for heavy lifting, like moving large carts around a warehouse. Scott Dresser, vice president of Amazon Robotics, said the idea is: “You tell it what needs to be done. It figures out the priority, the route, the timing.” (Think of it like asking a helper to move boxes to the right room, and the helper decides the quickest path.)

Amazon also says the next generation of Proteus will be able to work in a larger area than the current version. The company says today’s Proteus robots only operate in dock areas, but the new system can work anywhere items need to be moved. Amazon lists examples like moving containers when they arrive, carrying them between workstations, and helping across fulfillment centers and delivery sites.

The upgraded robot is currently being tested in Amazon’s labs. Amazon says it plans to deploy it in Europe in the first half of 2027.

Why it matters

This is another sign that Amazon is pushing more automation in its warehouses. Amazon says these robots are meant to support workers and make operations smoother, not replace people. Still, robots that can be directed more easily could change what warehouse jobs look like, and how many people are needed for certain tasks.

Source: The Verge AI