Amazon Buys Warehouse Robotics Company

Amazon has purchased  Belgium-based warehouse robotics company, Cloosterman, as it continues to expand robotic integration at its warehouses.

The purchase increases Amazon’s robotics capabilities, with Cloostermans  mechatronics robotic solutions. These robotic assistants will be used by Amazon for heavy-duty tasks such as stacking and moving heavy objects, as well as packaging products for customers.

The companies have been collaborating since 2019 in e-commerce operations

“Amazon’s investments in robotics and technology are supporting how we build a better and safer workplace,” said Ian Simpson, vice president of Global Robotics at Amazon in a blog post. “As we continue to broaden and accelerate the robotics and technology we design, engineer and deploy across our operations, we look forward to welcoming Cloostermans to Amazon and are excited to see what we can build together.”

Under the new deal, approximately 200 of Cloostermans’ employees will join Amazon’s staff.

Amazon has been integrating robotics into its warehouse operations since 2012, and in recent years has ramped up investments in robotics to improve warehouse safety. The latest news comes on the heels of Amazon unveiling its first autonomous warehouse robot, Proteus, designed for specific use in warehouse sites with navigation tech developed to work around employees and obstacles. In the past year, Amazon has also opened a robotics innovation lab in Italy, as well as research and development facilities in Germany to further develop its warehouse robotics capabilities.