Amazon has announced more than €700m (£598m) in investment through Amazon Innovation Labs for robotics research primarily focused and improving it European fulfilment centre (FC) network.
Established in 2017 and located in Vercelli, Italy, the lab serves as the hub for the global Mechatronics & Sustainable Packaging team.
This team was formed in 2019 and by the end of 2024 will have been responsible of the installation of over 1,000 new robotics and AI-powered innovations throughout Amazon’s European FC network, representing an investment of more €700m (£598m).
In 2024, Amazon’s Innovation labs introduced 120 new pieces of automation technologies across its European FC network. Some of these included: Universal Robotic Labeller, a high-speed auto-labelling technology; Amazon Robotics Floor; Flat Sorter Robotic Induct to take over repetitive tasks; and Bag Containerization Matrix Sorter (BCMS), which designed to optimise sorting capacity by identifying and grouping parcels with the same end destination ready for delivery.
The lab also operates as a training centre for Amazon Robotics operators, as well as a testing ground for start-ups receiving funding and guidance through the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund.
Starting in 2024, the lab will be open for public tours, offering customers, schools or anyone interested the opportunity to discover how we create and develop innovations.
Stefano La Rovere, director for global robotics – mechatronics & sustainable packaging, Amazon, said: “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.
“At Amazon, our commitment to thinking big runs deep – over five years to the end of 2024, we will have invested over €700m 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 is host to a diverse and international team of engineers and scientists dedicated to finding innovative ways to enhance everyday tasks for our employees, providing a safer workplace while consistently delivering for our customers.”
