Nestled among the rice fields of Vercelli, Italy, the Amazon Operations Innovation Lab stands as a hub for technological advancement, driving innovation in the European fulfillment network. This cutting-edge center, established in 2017, is where Amazon’s global Mechatronics & Sustainable Packaging team develops and tests new technologies, including advanced robotics and AI-powered solutions.
This investment underscores Amazon’s commitment to improving efficiency, safety, and the overall working environment. Over the past decade, the introduction of new technologies has already enhanced over 50,000 jobs in European fulfillment centers.
Investing in Advanced Technologies
Amazon is investing over €700 million in robotics and AI-powered innovations across its European fulfillment center network. By the end of 2024, over 1,000 new robotic systems and AI-powered technologies will be implemented. These advancements include item sorters, pallet movers, and automated guided vehicles, all designed to support Amazon employees and streamline operations. The integration of these technologies improves the customer experience through faster delivery times, enhanced selection, and reduced costs.
An International Hub for People
The lab serves as a training center for Amazon Robotics operators and a testing ground for start-ups through the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. Starting in 2024, the lab will open its doors to public tours, offering customers, schools, and interested individuals the opportunity to witness the development of these innovations firsthand.
“We are proud to open the doors of our lab, not only as a hub of innovation for Amazon, but to encourage customers, schools, and start-ups to be inspired and learn about the potential for technologies to create a better and safer future of work,” said Stefano La Rovere, Director for Global Robotics – Mechatronics & Sustainable Packaging. “At Amazon, our commitment to thinking big runs deep – over five years to the end of 2024, we will have invested over €700 million in the deployment of more than 1,000 robotics systems across our European fulfilment centre network. In addition, the introduction of new technologies over the last ten years has enhanced 50,000 new jobs within our operations in Europe.”
The lab’s diverse and international team of engineers and scientists are dedicated to finding new ways to improve daily tasks for employees, creating a safer work environment and further enhancing the experience for Amazon customers.
Notable Innovations
In 2024, Amazon plans to introduce 120 new automation technologies across its European network. Here’s an overview of some of the most exciting innovations:
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Universal Robotic Labeler (URL): This high-speed auto-labeling technology improves label placement and adhesion on various surfaces, including irregularly shaped products, allowing for smaller labels and reduced packaging. This contributes to Amazon’s sustainability goals and benefits employees, the customer experience, and the environment.
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Universal Item Sorter (UIS): The UIS efficiently sorts thousands of products daily using advanced wireless technology. The system’s iBOTs move items to the correct shipping destinations, contributing to a safer and more ergonomic workplace while optimizing space-efficient sortation.
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Automated Tote Retriever (ATR): This system works with the UIS, automating the process of replacing full totes with empty ones, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency. The ATR increases the ergonomics and reduces the steps required.
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Bag Containerization Matrix Sorter (BCMS): This system categorizes parcels into transportation bags based on their destination, optimizing sorting capacity and reducing double handling of parcels, to improve operational efficiency.
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Automated Guided Cart (AGC): This autonomous robot, with sensors and magnetic floor tape, reduces the need for employees to push or carry heavy loads over long distances.
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Flat Sorter Robotic Induct (FSRI): This robot ensures packages flow smoothly through fulfillment centers using smart vision sensors to take over repetitive tasks.
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Robotic Tote Palletizer (RTP): With two robotic arms, the RTP condenses totes onto pallets and secures them for shipping, improving safety and ergonomics.
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Amazon’s Automated Packaging Technology: This technology creates custom-fit paper bags made on demand, reducing packaging waste and improving the sustainability of the delivery process.
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Amazon Robotics Floor: The heart of a fulfillment center, this system utilizes thousands of drive units to store and retrieve millions of items efficiently and safely.
These innovations showcase Amazon’s commitment to creating a better future of work, with the aim of benefiting both its employees and customers, by improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability in its operations.
