Amazon’s Announces Its Robotic Systems Called Sequoia – What's So Unique About It?

Robots are taking over!

This phrase has worked well for many sci-fi movies, TV shows and books that most often follow the downsides of artificial intelligence and robotics.

However, where the sci-fi world is pitting humans against robots, these machines are instead making life easier for humans in the real world. Robots are proving to be extremely useful in industries and households, as they help simplify and quicken processes.

Amazon, the American multinational technology company and e-commerce giant, has been exploring and implementing robotic systems in its warehouses and for other purposes.

Now, the company has made another announcement. What did they say?

Let’s explore:
 

What Did Amazon Announce?

 

• Recently, Amazon announced that the company has fitted a robotic system in one of its warehouses in Houston, Texas.

• Called “Sequoia”, the technology includes merging a series of systems of mobile robots and robotic arms.

• The idea behind its implementation is to improve inventory management and speed up deliveries.

• Reportedly, Amazon finds the technology is 75% faster at identifying and storing inventory and helps reduce the order processing time at a warehouse by 25%.

 

What Else Is Amazon Doing On This Front?

 

• Amazon has been investing in automation for years and says it already has 750,000 robots working in its warehouses. 

• Some of the applications of the technology include using them to package orders, enable cashier-less retail stores and more.

• Ahead of this, the company will begin testing “Digit”, a bipedal robot developed by Amazon-backed Agility Robotics, which can move, squat, grasp and handle warehouse items. Reportedly, the robot is already being tested at Ford.

• Amazon has long believed that automation will enhance sales and improve worker safety, one avenue that’s raising concerns for the company.

 

What Concerns Were Raised?

 

• Unfortunately, Amazon has found itself in bad press alleging that workers in their warehouses are subject to hazardous conditions. 

• According to reports, the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), believes that Amazon has been imposing tough production quotas and failing to provide adequate medical care.

• Furthermore, OSHA alleges that workers at the company’s Logan Township warehouse faced bodily stress, muscular disorders and injuries to their neck and back.

• Having already levied $150,000 in fines since January, OSHA was seeking $15,625 in penalties, for which Amazon has 15 days to appeal or settle.

• Amazon conveyed they planned to appeal the citation and also mentioned that the global rate of worker injuries has improved since 2019.

• On a separate occasion, the Missouri Workers Center filed a complaint with OSHA on behalf of the employees of Amazon’s St. Louis, Missouri warehouse. The workers, through the complaint, said, "OSHA's own prior citations show a pattern of safety violations throughout Amazon's warehouse network, a pattern which is unfortunately reflected in our own experiences."

 

What Other Automation Initiatives Is Amazon Taking?

 

• Automation is a trend that’s taking off globally for Amazon. This includes plans to begin delivering packages by using drones, which will commence in Britain, Italy and a third location in the US.

• In a bid to expand its airborne delivery program, Amazon’s customers will be provided the option for drone delivery from late 2024, which will be integrated into the existing fulfillment network and be deployed from same-day delivery sites, as per reports.

• Having received federal approval in 2020 to test commercial deliveries in the US, Amazon’s Prime Air (its drone-based service) is available in two cities in California and Texas, where it launched last year.

Such is the admiration for robotic systems that many major retailers have recently announced plans to invest in them. This includes Amazon’s rival Walmart, which plans to have 65% of its stores to be automated by the end of its fiscal year 2026. Amazon itself plans to conduct a study with MIT to understand how robotics will impact jobs.

Do you think Amazon’s increase in efforts will help provide an edge over competitors? Can warehouse automation be used to enhance human productivity or will it lead to job loss?

Let us know in the comments below!