Amazon Showcases Automated Workers

According to a report by the Association for Advancing Automation, businesses have ordered 40% more workplace robots in 2022 than the same time period in 2021. This comes as a national worker shortage hits the retail, transportation, and manufacturing industries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings have doubled that which they were before the pandemic hit.

Late last month, Amazon showcased several robotic warehouse assistants that began working in their locations. Proteus, a transport robot, is the company's "first fully autonomous mobile robot," according to Amazon. "Proteus autonomously moves through our facilities using advanced safety, perception, and navigation technology."

According to the company, Proteus can sense and work around human employees.

Other robots include Cardinal, who can move heavy packages, as well as the Labrador Retriever, developed by Labrador Systems and implemented with Amazon technology.

Labrador Retriever is meant to be a household helper for those suffering from those who need assistance performing physical housework, including the ability to carry laundry and deliver meals.

As of now, these robots are in the testing stages, but Amazon expects employers to adopt them over the next decade.