Amazon Unveils ‘Proteus’, Its First Fully Automated Mobile Warehouse Robot

Amazon has unveiled its very first fully automated mobile warehouse robot that can carry and move carts in a warehouse. Called Proteus, the robot can even work in company of its human counterparts in the same space. 

The company announced the robot through a video that shows Proteus sliding under a cart and lifting it upwards and moving it with ease. The video also shows the robot to be capable of halting its movement when a human being comes and stands in front of it.

Amazon has already deployed robots at its warehouses in the past but it’s been done in caged areas, where humans do not enter. Now with Proteus, Amazon seems to have solved the problem of robots bumping into humans at work. And Amazon claims that Proteus can help improve safety at its warehouses.

“Proteus is Amazon's first fully autonomous mobile robot. Historically, it’s been difficult to safely incorporate robotics where people are working in the same physical space as the robot. We believe Proteus will change that while remaining smart, safe, and collaborative”, said Amazon’s YouTube caption.

Proteus seems to be aware of the its power status at work too and is seen to take itself to a charging point for a recharge in the video. 

While the robot technology seems great for warehouse inventory management, it will come under the purview of labour concerns.