Mehan fleshes out the new concept of robot teamwork in companies. Keep reading on how it is redefining work operations and fuelling corporate teamwork.

In today’s tech world, Amazon has emerged as a real pioneer, revolutionizing the entire e-commerce landscape along with our routine work operations. Throughout the previous decade, Amazon has been unwaveringly dedicated to innovation related to enhancing robot teamwork. This has gradually transformed and uplifted the overall employee and customer experience in the company.

Amazon made a bold move of acquiring the renowned Kiva Robotics Company.  Leveraging the new business competence, the company later introduced next generation technology like the autonomous mobile robots ”Proteus”. Let’s delve into their exceptional technological innovations and witness how profoundly they have transformed the domain of fulfilment centres.

Kiva Robotics paving way into the Future

Amazon’s strategic move of taking over Kiva Robotics in 2012 paved the way for frontline developments to promote robot teamwork. Against popular belief, the company’s investment in robotics did not replace human employees, rather introduced new job opportunities for them. The idea was never about choosing between employees or technology; it was about leveraging the power of both to create a more conducive, safer, simpler, and more productive workplace.

The Mobile Robot Proteus in Robot Teamwork

Proteus is Amazon’s first fully autonomous mobile robot which is designed to work harmoniously with human employees as a team. Built with advanced safety and navigation features, Proteus marks a radical shift in the integration of robots within human-focused areas.

In contrast to traditional robots that were confined to specific areas, Proteus moves freely among humans, making simple and harmless interactions. Initially, it is deployed in outbound GoCart handling areas, but ultimately Amazon seeks to extend the use of automation throughout the GoCart handling network in fulfilment centres. Proteus empowers and assists employees with manually moving heavy objects, allowing them to focus on other key performing areas, building effective robot teamwork.

The Extra Precise Robot Cardinal

Amazon’s promising commitment towards promoting safety and productivity led to the development of Cardinal. The robotic work cell is primarily driven by artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced level programming. Cardinal has a strong precision, complex capabilities, and sophisticated advancements.

This allows the robot to:

• Select respective packages from a pile or a shelf
• Read labels and other details
• Place them appropriately in GoCarts

Cardinal’s precision significantly reduces the risk of employee injuries with lifting or pushing heavy packages. By streamlining the sorting and delivering operations, the robot accelerates shipping processes. Cardinal also ensures a smooth and efficient experience for both the employees and customers, thus nourishing optimal robot teamwork.

Robotics and UAE Economy

Dubai has recently launched a robotics and mechanization programme, led by Future Foundation in Dubai. The initiative aims to contribute up to 9% of GDP expectedly in the next ten years. The initiative was announced by the Dubai Crown Prince of and Chairman of The Executive Council, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. According to him, this step seeks to advance the Emirate economy and help the city to become one of the top 10 in robotics globally.

By integrating robotics with human expertise this way, Amazon has demonstrated that the future lies in the collaboration in robot teamwork i.e.  Between humans and machines. According to Mehan, Amazon sets a great example for everyone, especially for developed economies like UAE that are already investing in robotics and related technology.