Amazon to Test Humanoid Robots for Last-Mile Delivery With Rivian Vans

On June 4, Amazon Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced plans to begin testing humanoid robots for package delivery. The long-term goal is for these robots to emerge from Rivian Automotive Inc.’s (NASDAQ:RIVN) electric delivery vans and deliver packages directly to customers’ doors.

According to a report by Rocket Drew of The Information, Amazon intends to test several different humanoid robot models for this purpose, with one mentioned being from China-based Unitree, costing around $16,000.

Amazon to Test Humanoid Robots for Last-Mile Delivery from Rivian Vans

A customer entering an internet retail store, illustrating the convenience of online shopping.

As part of this project, Amazon is reportedly putting the finishing touches on a humanoid park, which refers to an indoor obstacle course located at one of the company’s San Francisco offices. This facility is designed to mimic real-world delivery environments. An Amazon-Rivian electric delivery van is on-site to test how the robots will enter and exit the vehicle and perform package deliveries.

Amazon has experience utilizing autonomous robots within its warehouses, but its experience with humanoid robots has been more limited. The company has previously deployed Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid robots in its warehouses for tasks like package delivery from vans. Even with a human driver, a robot could speed up drop-off times. Currently, over 20,000 Rivian electric vans are used to deliver Amazon packages, and this number is expected to reach 100,000 by the end of the decade.

Amazon Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscription services through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) designs, develops, manufactures, and sells EVs and accessories.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.