Amazon Upskills Employees While Deploying Over 1 Million Robots Globally

Amazon’s Robotics Milestone

The biggest question in the tech world today is: what will be the future of robots in this rapidly evolving technological era? To explore this, Bhaskar visited Tokyo, where Amazon hosted its annual event “Delivering the Future”. At this event in tech-savvy Japan, Amazon deployed its 1 millionth robot.

Currently, Amazon has over 1 million robots operating in its fulfillment centers worldwide, making it the largest industrial robot fleet in the world. Amazon is also the biggest manufacturer and operator of mobile robotics globally.

The Future Lies in Collaborative Robotics

According to Ty Brady, Amazon’s Chief Technologist, the future of robotics lies in “Collaborative Robotics”—robots that enhance human abilities instead of replacing them, creating a safer and more efficient working environment.

Amazon has upskilled over 700,000 employees for future jobs and challenges, particularly in AI and robotics. The company has also launched a generative AI model called ‘Deep Fleet’, which optimizes robot coordination in fulfillment centers. This has reduced robot work time by 10%, helping customers receive orders faster and at a lower cost.

New Technologies Transforming Online Shopping

1. Generative AI Mapping – Wellspring

This AI-powered model improves delivery accuracy using satellite images, road networks, building footprints, customer instructions, and street-level images. The first test was conducted in the U.S. in October 2024.

2. AI for Understanding Customer Needs

Amazon now uses AI-driven predictive models to determine where, when, and which products customers will need. Unlike older methods based only on sales history, this system improves demand forecasting. It is already in use in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, with expansion planned for other regions.

3. Agentic AI – Robots Will Understand Language

Amazon is working on Agentic AI, which enables robots to naturally understand human language and instructions. For example, employees could simply tell a robot to pick up an item and place it in a specific location, speeding up workflows significantly.

Chiba Minato Fulfillment Center – A Technological Marvel

Located about an hour from Tokyo, Amazon’s Chiba Minato Fulfillment Center covers 120,000 square meters.

• Processes 600,000 orders daily
  
• Stocks 17 million products
  
• Operates with 2,500+ advanced robots that process customer orders in seconds
  

This makes it one of the most advanced fulfillment centers in Japan.