Amazon Invests $743M in Robotics and AI in Europe

Amazon has invested over $743 million in new robotics and AI-powered tools throughout its European fulfillment center network.

To date, the investment has supported the installation of more than 1,000 robots and AI tools at the sites, including item sorters, pallet movers, and automated guide vehicles.

“Robotics and technology play a crucial role in enhancing our operations network, while AI enables us to scale these advancements for a global operation serving millions of customers worldwide,” the team wrote in a statement. 

This year, the team said it expected to roll out 120 new automation technology items across its European network, including the Universal Robotic Labeler, the Universal Item Sorter, the Automated Tote Retriever and the Automated Guide Cart. 

Amazon's Automated Tote Retriever

Amazon's Automated Guided Cart

These latest additions are designed to optimize packaging and processing capabilities at the facilities.

Amazon opened its advanced Operations Innovation Lab in Vercelli, Italy in 2017, established to test and develop new technologies to mitigate labor shortages and improve efficiencies. 

The lab will be open to the public later this year for tours so customers and students can see how automation and robotic tools are deployed. 

“We are proud to open the doors of our lab, not only as a hub of innovation for Amazon, but to encourage customers, schools and start-ups to be inspired and learn about the potential for technologies to create a better and safer future of work,” said Stefano La Rovere, Amazon’s director for global robotics. 

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“Over five years to the end of 2024, we will have invested over $743 million in the deployment of more than 1,000 robotics systems across our European fulfillment center network,” La Rovere added. “In addition, the introduction of new technologies over the last ten years has enhanced 50,000 new jobs within our operations in Europe.”

The Italian site is Amazon’s third innovation lab, joining its facilities in Seattle and Boston.