Robotics

Amazon deploys 1 millionth robot, launches AI model for robotic fleet

Photo: Amazon

July 2, 2025

Amazon has hit a robotic milestone with the deployment of its one millionth robot in operation.

It has also deployed a generative AI foundation model aimed at boosting robot fleet travel by 10%, according to an Amazon announcement written by Scott Dresser, VP of Amazon Robotics.

The milestone robot was delivered to a fulfillment center in Japan, part of Amazon's global network that now spans more than 300 facilities worldwide.

"We're also introducing a new generative AI foundation model we've designed to make our entire fleet of robots smarter and more efficient. Called DeepFleet, this AI technology will coordinate the movement of robots across our fulfillment network, improving the travel time of our robotic fleet by 10% and enabling us to deliver packages to customers faster and at lower costs," wrote Dresser.

Just as a smart traffic system could reduce wait times and create better routes for drivers, DeepFleet coordinates robots' movements to optimize how they navigate fulfillment centers.

"Built using the company's rich and extensive data sets of inventory movement within its sites and leveraging AWS tools, including Amazon SageMaker, this new AI model redefines fleet efficiency. It allows us to store more products closer to customers, leading to faster delivery and lower costs. And, because it is built on AI that learns and improves over time, it will continue to find new ways to optimize how our robots work together," wrote Dresser.

Amazon began its robotic journey in 2012 with a single robot moving inventory shelves.

Its Hercules robots can lift and move up to 1,250 pounds of inventory and its Pegasus robots use precision conveyor belts to handle individual packages. Proteus, Amazon's first fully autonomous mobile robot, can safely navigate around employees in open and unrestricted areas while moving heavy carts filled with customer orders.

"Twelve years ago, we worked backwards from a simple problem: how to help employees access inventory more efficiently. Today, we're applying the latest AI technology to make our entire robot fleet smarter, ultimately delivering better value to our customers through faster service and lower costs," wrote Dresser.