Amazon-based fulfillment centers expand robotics operations

Amazon is expanding its robotics business with newer sorters, arms and Roomba-like mobile order fulfillment. Amazon's inventory handling system, which it calls Sequoia, was recently launched at a Houston facility and can speed up delivery completion by 25%, according to the Wall Street Journal.

According to Amazon, the new system's robots are designed to work alongside humans, not replace them, and David Guerin, director of robotic storage technology, said most operations will use these robots in the next three to five years.

Components of Amazon's latest system were considered after the company discussed the development of warehouse robots last year. A new picker and packer moves containers from high up on shelves to waist level, which Amazon says improves safety and reduces injuries because workers don't have to reach for heavy objects.

The company’s Sp robot arms can identify what’s inside a tote and pull it out. There are also autonomous and Hercules robots, which roll around like robots and can lift and move shelves, dispense containers and deliver products around the building — so humans don’t have to do it.

Reviewing Editor: Peng Jing