(Reuters) – Amazon.com announced on Wednesday that it is utilizing a robotic system named “Sequoia” at one of its Houston warehouses in order to enhance inventory management and expedite deliveries. This move builds on Amazon’s longstanding belief that automation can enhance sales and improve worker safety.
The Sequoia technology incorporates various systems, including mobile robots and robotic arms, which work together seamlessly to streamline operations.
According to Amazon, the introduction of Sequoia has resulted in a 75% faster identification and storage of inventory, as well as a potential 25% reduction in order processing time at the warehouse.
Recognizing the benefits of automation, Amazon has been heavily investing in this area for a number of years. Automation is already used by the company for packaging orders, and it has also developed technology to enable cashier-less retail stores, among other innovations.
Joining Amazon in this trend, several other major retailers have recently announced their plans to invest in robotic systems. Walmart, for example, stated earlier this year that it expects approximately 65% of its stores to be serviced by automation by the end of its fiscal year 2026.
In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, Amazon aims to improve worker safety through the use of robotics. The company plans to test a bipedal robot called “Digit,” developed by startup Agility Robotics, which is backed by Amazon. Already being tested at Ford, Digit has the capability to move, grasp, and handle items within warehouses.
Addressing ongoing concerns raised by U.S. safety regulators regarding hazardous conditions at its warehouses, Amazon believes that leveraging robotics technology can contribute to creating safer working environments.
The deployment of Sequoia and the upcoming testing of Digit reaffirm Amazon’s continued commitment towards automation and worker safety.
(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
