Amazon Tests Robot Workers to Replace Delivery Drivers

Any parent working as a delivery driver for Amazon, it may be time to diversify your skills because of what the future holds for many at this company. It won’t be pretty if you put all your eggs in one basket.

*watch the video here.

Amazon is training humanoid robots as a new type of delivery worker that doesn’t take breaks or call in sick. The company is developing software for these robots to jump out of vans and deliver packages. A special testing area, called a “humanoid park,” is being built in the U.S. for training.

At a San Francisco office, Amazon has set up an obstacle course where robots learn to handle delivery challenges. The goal is for these robots to ride in Amazon’s Rivian electric vans and deliver packages independently, initially alongside human drivers. Amazon also plans to test the robots in real neighborhoods after their training.

Amazon has previously introduced robots in its warehouses and is also exploring drone technology for deliveries. Experts believe Amazon’s focus on the “last mile” of delivery is a smart move toward automation, despite the challenges of using robots in complex environments.

While robots are unlikely to completely replace human workers, they are increasingly being used to assist with tasks in delivery and warehousing. Amazon aims for a mix of robots and humans, which may change some jobs but will also create new roles in managing and maintaining robots. Humans will remain essential to Amazon's future.