Amazon testing humanoid robots in Rivian vans for package deliveries

Amazon is developing AI software to power autonomous delivery bots, which will be transported in Rivian electric vans
An undated image. — Amazon
An undated image. — Amazon 

Followed by the overwhelming incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) across fields, the world seems to be closing in on a new automation revolution as Amazon is set to test a new generation of humanoid robots that it capable of delivering packages directly to customers' doorsteps.

The e-commerce giant is developing AI software to power these autonomous delivery bots, which will be transported in Rivian electric vans, according to The Information.

The report mentioned that a prototype testing facility, described as an indoor "humanoid park" which is roughly the size of a coffee shop, has been established at Amazon’s San Francisco offices. It features an obstacle course and a Rivian van for training, where robots learn to "hitch a ride" and make deliveries.

The robotic initiative is part of Amazon's broader strides to develop more intelligent and flexible robotic systems, a leap beyond automation currently used in warehouses. 

The company recently launched a new “agentic AI” team aimed at creating robots that can interpret and respond to natural language commands.

Amazon is already deploying humanoid robots through a partnership with Agility Robotics’ “Digit,” a bipedal machine designed for logistics tasks. The San Francisco site will further assess various robots, including a $16,000 model from Chinese firm Unitree. 

Although the retail tycoon has not confirmed a launch date for the delivery bots, its research aims to create systems that "understand, hear, and act" like humans.