Amazon introduces humanoid robots that will cost the company $2 an hour

2023

Digit Robots Cost Amazon $2 an Hour

On December 6, 2023, it became known that the operation of the humanoid robots Digit, which Amazon uses in its warehouses, will cost the company $2 per hour. These machines, created by firm Agility Robotics, are expected to help improve the efficiency of operations in Amazon's numerous warehouses.

It is noted that Digit can capture and move objects in "new ways." The machine is capable of performing operations, including near the walls and in the corners of warehouses. At the same time, the robot is designed in such a way as to effectively work on objects originally intended for humans.

operating humanoid robots Digit will cost Amazon $2 per hour

Agility Robotics has attracted investment from Amazon and is opening a production facility in Salem, Oregon, which in the future will be able to manufacture up to 10,000 robots a year. As of the beginning of December 2023, the cost of operating Digit is from $10 to $12 dollars per hour, taking into account the cost of the robot itself and the estimated service life, which is estimated at 20 thousand hours. With the increase in machine production, these costs are expected to drop to $2- $3 per hour plus software overhead. Moreover, as they are introduced, robots will become overgrown with additional functionality and will be able to improve their skills.

Amazon is actively expanding its fleet of robots. It was reported that in 2017 the company had approximately 45 thousand cars in 20 fulfillment centers, and by the end of 2023 the number of such assistants reached 750 thousand. Concerns are raised that over time, humanoid robots like Digit will displace ordinary employees from warehouses, which will lead to an increase in the unemployment rate. However, Amazon says such machines are being created to provide support to people, not to replace them entirely.^[1]

Introduction of robots

On October 18, 2023, Amazon announced the introduction of humanoid robots at its storage sites. The machine, called Digit, developed by Agility Robotics, is designed to reduce the burden on ordinary employees and automate routine operations.

Amazon notes that as of October 2023, more than 750 thousand of all kinds of robotic systems are used in various divisions of the company. They perform daily repetitive tasks, helping to improve operational efficiency. Amazon continues to roll out new automation technologies. One of them is Digit: this robot is able to capture and move various loads like a person. Moreover, the dimensions and shape of the machine are specially optimized for rooms intended for people.

Amazon announced the introduction of humanoid robots in its storage areas

In the first phase, the robot will assist warehouse employees in disposing of containers, which is a repetitive process of collecting and moving empty containers after all items have been removed from them, Amazon says.

Digit is approximately 175 cm tall and weighs 65 kg. It is capable of moving objects weighing up to 16 kg. The robot walks on two legs, thanks to which it can overcome flights of stairs. Built-in sensors allow the machine to identify obstacles and bypass them. If someone accidentally pushes the robot, it will keep its balance and stand on its feet.

Amazon says the adoption of robotic systems allows it to expand its business, and therefore form "hundreds of thousands of new jobs." The company, for example, has created approximately 700 new positions thanks to the use of robots and all kinds of automation systems. Machines help to increase the speed of fulfillment of orders and improve the quality of customer service.^[2]

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