Amazon is making big moves to improve its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics. The company has hired AI experts Pieter Abbeel, Peter Chen, and Rocky Duan, and is partnering with Covariant. Tt is a company known for its advanced robotic technology. This partnership will help Amazon develop smarter and safer robots to improve its operations.

How Amazon Uses AI in Robotics Today

Amazon has been using AI to manage one of the largest fleets of industrial robots in the world. These robots, powered by AI and supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS), help handle many tasks in Amazon's warehouses.

They sort goods, move inventory, and assist employees in safely and efficiently delivering billions of customer orders each year. Robots like Robin, Proteus, and Sequoia work alongside Amazon’s teams, using AI to understand their surroundings and carry out tasks safely.

Robots That Work Alongside Employees

Today, Amazon has about 750,000 robots working in its facilities. These robots take on heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, making the workplace safer and allowing employees to focus on more complex and rewarding work.

Over the years, Amazon has learned a lot from using these robots and continues to research how to make them even better. The goal is to build AI models that help robots become safer, more adaptable, and more useful for employees and customers alike.

Partnering with Covariant for Smarter Robots

To speed up these improvements, Amazon has signed an agreement with Covariant, a company that builds AI systems for robots. Covariant’s technology helps robots see, think, and interact with the world around them.

By working with Covariant, Amazon will be able to use these advanced AI models to make its robotic systems smarter and more flexible. This partnership is expected to create new ways for robots to help employees and serve customers better.

Growing Amazon’s AI and Robotics Team

Amazon plans to expand its AI and robotics team, particularly in the Bay Area, to attract top talent and drive innovation. The company is welcoming Pieter Abbeel, Peter Chen, Rocky Duan, and several other skilled researchers from Covariant to its Fulfillment Technologies & Robotics Team.

Their expertise will help integrate Covariant’s AI technology into Amazon’s operations, pushing the boundaries of what robots can do.

Joseph Quinlivan, Vice President of Amazon Fulfillment Technologies & Robotics, said, “We are excited to welcome talented individuals from Covariant to our team. By combining our knowledge and skills, we will develop the next generation of robotics technology that will make our operations even more efficient and effective. This will help us provide even greater value to our customers.”

Future of Robotics

Amazon is committed to leading the way in AI and robotics innovation. The company is excited about the potential of these technologies to improve its operations and is eager to share more about its advancements in the future.

Amazon welcomes researchers and technologists who are passionate about AI and robotics to join in these efforts to create groundbreaking solutions.

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