Amazon is taking strides to enhance its warehouse automation operations by joining forces with the founders of Covariant, a robotics software company. Covariant’s founders will be incorporated into Amazon’s Fulfillment Technologies & Robotics division, a move that seeks to leverage their prowess in artificial intelligence and autonomous robots for improved accuracy and productivity in Amazon’s logistical capabilities.
The partnership is indicative of Amazon’s commitment to innovation in its warehouse operations and to its objective of fine-tuning operations for better serving customers globally. This development is part of a commercial agreement wherein Amazon acquires non-exclusive rights to Covariant’s base robot models intending to optimize warehouse automation for efficient product logistics.
Covariant, founded in 2017, has raised over $222 million in funding from key contributors like Temasek, CPP Investments, Radical Ventures, and Index Ventures. Its successful growth trajectory has caught the attention of industry giants including Amazon, illuminating potential acquisition prospects.
The integration with Covariant is not Amazon’s first venture into automation.
Amazon partners with Covariant for warehouse automation
Its acquisition of Kiva Systems in 2012 paved the way for significant advancements in product management and distribution. This pattern of investment in cutting-edge technology, such as Covariant’s, further cements Amazon’s dedication to expanding its automation presence and solidifying its competitive edge in the e-commerce industry.
Amazon has also Liaised with robotics companies including Instock, Agility Robotics, and Standard Bots to improve delivery processes and heighten customer service quality. Instock offers smart inventory solutions, Agility Robotics offers automated delivery, and Standard Bots offers pioneering cloud-based robotics solutions. This commitment to technological innovation maintains Amazon’s position as a leader in the e-commerce industry.
On top of these advancements, Amazon has also divulged plans to grow its AI and robotics team in the Bay Area. This forecast implies a strategic augmentation of the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in its operations, signalling a calculated trajectory towards a more technologically-advanced business model and day-to-day operations.
