Amazon is advancing toward a future where humanoid robots handle package deliveries, developing specialized AI software that would enable these mechanical workers to operate from the back of electric delivery vans. The e-commerce giant is preparing to test this ambitious automation project at a dedicated facility, marking a significant step in the company's ongoing efforts to revolutionize last-mile delivery operations.
Indoor Testing Facility Nears Completion
Amazon has constructed an indoor humanoid park at its San Francisco offices, roughly the size of a coffee shop, specifically designed to train robots for delivery tasks. This obstacle course includes a Rivian electric van for training purposes, where humanoid robots will learn to hitch a ride in the back of Amazon's electric Rivian vans and spring out to deliver packages, according to sources familiar with the project. The facility represents Amazon's commitment to transitioning from concept to real-world application of robotic delivery systems.
Testing Facility Details
- Location: Amazon San Francisco offices
- Size: Approximately the size of a coffee shop
- Equipment: Indoor obstacle course with one Rivian van
- Purpose: Training humanoid robots for package delivery operations
Multi-Robot Testing Approach
Rather than developing proprietary hardware, Amazon plans to test various humanoid robots from different manufacturers at its training facility. The company will evaluate multiple units, including the USD 16,000 G1 model from China-based Unitree Robotics. This approach allows Amazon to assess different robotic capabilities and identify the most suitable platforms for their delivery requirements without the substantial investment required for in-house robot development.
Robot Specifications and Pricing
- Unitree G1 humanoid robot: USD 16,000
- Amazon's current robot workforce: 750,000+ warehouse robots
- Rivian electric vans in service: 20,000+ units
Advanced AI Integration
The initiative coincides with Amazon's launch of a new agentic AI team focused on developing technologies for robots operating in distribution and logistics environments. The company emphasizes creating systems that can process natural language commands, transforming traditional warehouse robots into flexible, multi-talented assistants rather than rigid, specialized machines. This AI framework enables robots to understand and execute multiple commands simultaneously, significantly expanding their operational capabilities.
Existing Robotic Infrastructure
Amazon already operates more than 750,000 robots across its warehouse facilities to assist human workers. The company has previously tested Agility Robotics' humanoid Digit robot, which was originally designed for tasks including van-based package delivery. Amazon also experimented with Scout, a six-wheeled autonomous delivery robot, in California for several years before discontinuing the project in 2023.
Amazon's Robotic Timeline
- 2020: Acquired Zoox robotaxi company
- 2023: Discontinued Scout six-wheeled delivery robot project
- Current: Testing Agility Robotics' "Digit" humanoid robot
- Upcoming: Real-world testing of multiple humanoid robots for delivery
Strategic Automation Vision
With hundreds of thousands of people currently handling delivery operations globally for Amazon, the humanoid robot initiative represents part of a broader automation strategy. Amazon's 2020 acquisition of robotaxi company Zoox suggests the company's ultimate goal of fully automating package delivery from warehouse to doorstep. The current humanoid robot project appears designed to work alongside human drivers rather than replace them entirely, with robots handling some deliveries while human drivers manage others from the same vehicle.