Would You Accept a Package from a Robot? Amazon Thinks You Will

Amazon is pushing the boundaries of automation with new trials involving humanoid robots designed to deliver packages. In a specially built “humanoid park” at its San Francisco office, Amazon is testing robots that may one day leap from its Rivian vans to drop off parcels at customers’ doors.

The robots are powered by Amazon’s in-house AI software but use physical hardware built by other companies. This development follows earlier trials with warehouse humanoids like “Digit,” developed by Agility Robotics.

The latest trials focus on last-mile delivery, the final leg in the shipping process, which remains a costly and labor-intensive step for logistics firms. If successful, the robots could help Amazon boost efficiency by allowing both human drivers and robots to deliver packages simultaneously to nearby homes.

Experts say the concept is plausible if the environments remain predictable. However, the challenge lies in real-world variables like pets, stairs, and complex building layouts.