Dartford, England - June 4
Amazon on Thursday introduced a significantly upgraded mobile warehouse robot and highlighted multiple automation systems as part of a €10 billion ($11.6 billion) commitment to build out its European fulfilment network. The company presented the next-generation Proteus robot at a "Delivering the Future" event hosted at its Dartford fulfilment centre east of London, framing the machines as tools to accelerate delivery throughput.
The updated Proteus differs from the current model in two main ways. The existing Proteus, which is already deployed at 25 U.S. sites, has been limited to dock operations and is used to move carts carrying loads of up to nearly 400 kg (882 lbs). The new iteration, scheduled to arrive in Europe in the first half of 2027, is engineered to operate across warehouse floors and to respond to conversational prompts from employees. According to Amazon Robotics vice president Scott Dresser, operators can assign tasks verbally and the robot will determine priority, routes and timing.
Alongside Proteus, Amazon showcased two other robotics systems. STARK, a robotic tote-handling system first piloted in Barcelona, is planned to be expanded to 15 European sites by 2027. Vulcan, described as the firm's first robot with a sense of touch, was also presented at the event.
These automation announcements accompanied a slate of logistics and grocery initiatives. Amazon said it will open more than 25 sub-same-day delivery sites across Europe this year, with specific activity in Britain and Germany. Its ultra-fast essentials delivery service, Amazon Now, will expand to Manchester and Birmingham in Britain. Amazon also stated that same-day delivery for fresh groceries is currently available in more than 2,300 U.S. cities and parts of Tokyo, with further rollouts planned in Japan, Britain and other countries in coming months.
On the consumer AI front, Amazon confirmed that Alexa+, the next-generation AI assistant, will roll out to 10 additional countries in 2027.
The robotics and delivery expansion comes after a company forecast in February that capital expenditure would rise by more than 50% to $200 billion this year, a step Amazon said it is taking to expand AI infrastructure.
Key points
- Amazon unveiled a new Proteus robot that accepts conversational prompts and can operate across warehouse floors; European deployment is due in the first half of 2027.
- Additional automation announced includes STARK, piloted in Barcelona and slated for 15 European sites by 2027, and Vulcan, the company's first robot with tactile capability.
- Logistics expansion includes more than 25 new sub-same-day sites across Europe this year and broader grocery same-day availability; Alexa+ will launch in 10 more countries in 2027.
Sectors impacted: Logistics and fulfilment operations, robotics and automation manufacturing, grocery retail and AI services.
Risks and uncertainties
- Timing and delivery of the new Proteus model - the company states it is due in Europe in the first half of 2027, indicating a multi-year rollout horizon.
- Execution risk around planned robotic rollouts - STARK is targeted for 15 European sites by 2027 and broader automation deployments are referenced without additional operational detail.
- Capital intensity - Amazon forecasts a greater than 50% increase in capital expenditure to $200 billion this year, which represents a major cash commitment tied to AI and fulfilment expansion.