Amazon unveils latest warehouse robot as tech giants continue AI layoffs

Amazon's original Proteus robot has been rolled out in 25 fulfilment centers in the U.S. Sawdah Bhaimiya Amazon has unveiled its latest warehouse robot that can take commands in conversational language, underscoring how AI-powered automation is advancing as companies continue to slash their corporate workforce in AI-driven efficiencies. The tech giant's next-generation Proteus is an autonomous mobile robot, which is designed to understand natural language commands from workers and transport items in warehouses. It was launched at the company's Delivering the Future event in London on Thursday. The original Proteus was first deployed in Amazon fulfillment centers in 2022 to assist workers, including transporting heavy carts weighing up to 400 kilograms. It's currently used in 25 fulfillment centers in the U.S., with the latest version of the robot set to be rolled out in Europe in the first half of 2027. Workers will be able to direct the new Proteus in plain language, without technical commands or a programming interface. It's part of a broader push to expand the technology in Europe, with Amazon also committing to investing 10 billion euros ($11.6 billion) to modernize fulfillment operations in the region over the next few years. Amazon's original warehouse robot Proteus carries a cart at its LCY3 Fulfilment Center in Dartford. Sawdah Bhaimiya Other robotics advancements include its first robot with a sense of touch, Vulcan, and a robotic tote handling system called STARK. …