Amazon Reportedly Develops Humanoid Robots for Package Delivery

Amazon is reportedly expanding its use of robotics, with plans to train humanoid robots for package delivery directly from delivery vehicles to customers' doorsteps. According to insider sources, the e-commerce giant is developing the necessary artificial intelligence software and is nearing completion of a testing environment for these robots.

Since 2023, Amazon has been using the humanoid robot Digit, primarily for specific logistics tasks such as recycling within its warehouses. Digit, created by Agility Robotics, has also been employed by other companies. It has been operational as the first humanoid robot in a workplace, specifically at the logistics provider GXO Logistics.

Originally, Agility Robotics had marketed Digit for both logistics tasks and package delivery, as reported by The Verge five years ago. Now, it appears that Digit may soon fulfill this role. The Information has learned from an anonymous source involved in the project that Amazon is finalizing the construction of a testing area within one of its facilities in San Francisco, roughly the size of a café.

This testing space includes an electric delivery vehicle from Amazon partner Rivian. The plan is for the robots to load packages into the delivery vehicle and, upon arrival at the recipient's location, to deliver the packages. This process will be evaluated using obstacle courses to ensure the robots can navigate various challenges. However, reports indicate that Amazon is still working on the software needed for this operation.

While the retail company has not publicly commented on these developments, it has recently showcased an innovative robot equipped with tactile sensing capabilities, designed to perform gripping and lifting tasks, enhancing workplace safety and efficiency. This particular robot, however, is not humanoid in design. In a statement to SiliconValley.com, Amazon highlighted its focus on developing systems that can understand and respond to natural language commands, transforming warehouse robots into versatile assistants.

In addition to its own robots, Amazon plans to test various humanoid models for package delivery, including the Unitree G1 from China, which retails for $16,000. This robot will also be evaluated in the soon-to-be-completed testing environment to determine its ability to autonomously transport packages from the van to the doorstep.

If these robots succeed in package delivery, Amazon could potentially automate the entire delivery process. Following its acquisition of the startup Zoox nearly five years ago, Amazon has gained direct access to technologies for self-driving vehicles. The integration of autonomous delivery vans and robots for package handover would mean that human involvement in the delivery process from warehouse to front door could become obsolete.