Amazon is said to be working on software for humanoid robots intended to serve as delivery personnel and operate “bomber” vans.
The £1.47 trillion technology giant is establishing a “humanoid park” in the US to trial these robots, with insights being shared with tech news outlets, according to individuals involved in the initiative.
Reportedly, the robot could ultimately replace delivery workers. It is designed with artificial intelligence software that powers the robots but utilizes hardware sourced from other companies.
According to reports, the indoor obstacle course at Amazon’s San Francisco offices is about the size of a coffee shop, with hopes that the robots can navigate Amazon’s Libyan vans for deliveries.
Even if a human is operating the vehicle, the robot could potentially expedite drop-off times by managing deliveries to one address while human staff service another. Amazon is also exploring self-driving vehicles through its Zoox division.
As reported, Amazon has over 20,000 Libyan vans in the US, including one stationed in the Humanoid Test Zone. Following successful tests at Humanoid Park, the robots are slated for a real-world “field trip” to attempt package deliveries to customers’ residences.
Amazon has already initiated trials with humanoid robots and is utilizing devices developed by US-based Agility Robotics within its warehouses. Agility CEO Peggy Johnson mentioned to the Guardian last year that their humanoid robots are enabling employees to transition into “robot manager” roles.
Last year, Amazon obtained permission to test drone flights beyond the line of sight of British human controllers, furthering its innovations in home delivery technology.
Professor Subramanian Ramamoorthy, head of robot learning and autonomy at the University of Edinburgh, acknowledged that Amazon has a respected robotics team, emphasizing that their focus on “last-mile” delivery is expected. He noted that humanoid robot hardware is advanced enough for these tasks, but highlighted the challenge of achieving reliable performance outside controlled environments like the proposed “humanoid park.”
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He remarked: “If Amazon restricts the environment, utilizing relatively clear driveways and standard doorway layouts, the task becomes fairly straightforward. Challenges arise as the environment becomes more diverse, particularly with variables like pets and small children entering the equation.”
Amazon has been approached for a comment.
Source: www.theguardian.com
