Amazon tests humanoid home delivery robot

In an effort to reshape the logistics industry, Amazon is quietly testing humanoid robots that can “jump” out of trucks and deliver packages to customers’ doorsteps. The ambitious project is currently being deployed at a special testing area called “humanoid park” in the US.

Robots replace delivery staff?

According to The Information , Amazon is developing artificial intelligence software to operate humanoid robots, while the hardware is manufactured by partner companies.

The ultimate goal is for these robots to be able to take on the role of delivery workers, not only operating in warehouse environments but also operating autonomously on the streets, climbing stairs and knocking on people's doors.

At Amazon's San Francisco office, tests are taking place in a cafe-sized simulator designed like an obstacle course.

In the future, robots will be loaded onto Rivian trucks and perform delivery tasks alongside humans. For example, while a driver is delivering at one location, the robot can be dispatched to the next address to save time.

Amazon is no novice when it comes to automation. It has previously partnered with Agility Robotics, the makers of the Digit humanoid robot, to test the devices in its warehouses. The goal, says Agility Robotics CEO Peggy Johnson, is to have humans become “robot managers” rather than manual workers.

This new move shows that Amazon is stepping up its ambition to expand the application of humanoid robots to the field of "last mile" delivery, the most expensive and volatile step in the logistics chain.

Self-driving cars and drones

Alongside humanoid robots, Amazon is also testing other autonomous delivery technologies. Its subsidiary Zoox is developing self-driving cars, while in the UK, Amazon has been granted permission to test drones beyond the operator's line of sight.

Experts say these technologies can work together to form a comprehensive automated delivery ecosystem where goods are transported from distribution centers to doorsteps without the need for human hands.

Despite the huge potential, the application of humanoid robots in real-world environments still faces many challenges. Professor Subramanian Ramamoorthy, Chair of Robotics and Automation at the University of Edinburgh, commented that current robot hardware is capable of performing simple delivery tasks. However, ensuring robots operate stably in real-world environments is still a big problem.

He pointed out that robots can operate reliably in standardized environments, such as wide hallways and standard-designed doors, but will have difficulty dealing with unpredictable real-world situations such as pets running around, children suddenly appearing, or bad weather.

Amazon has yet to officially comment on the project. However, if the tests go well, delivery robots could become a reality within the next few years, completely changing the way people receive packages and reshaping the logistics workforce.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/amazon-thu-nghiem-robot-hinh-nguoi-giao-hang-tan-nha-140765.html