Hi there, I’m Proteus—Amazon’s very first self-navigating robot. Join me as I take you through a typical day on the job, watercooler breaks included. I’ll show you how I help move your packages efficiently, all while making life easier for my human teammates.
Who Am I?
I’m one of the busy robots at Amazon, working behind the scenes at our fulfillment centers to get your orders moving. My job is to transport packages by moving carts loaded with items from one point to another, ensuring they’re loaded onto trucks that continue the delivery journey. You might have already received something I helped move. In short, my work is a prime example of how Amazon continues to innovate.
What Makes Me Special?
Unlike many of my robotic counterparts who rely on floor markers and fences for guidance, I’m equipped with advanced sensors that let me navigate freely and safely around people and objects. This means I can operate without the physical boundaries that other robots need, making our fulfillment centers more flexible and efficient.
A Quick Backstory
I was born in October 2022 at our Boston robotics facility and first got to work in the Nashville fulfillment center. My name is inspired by one of Neptune’s moons—aiming high is in my DNA. I’m just one of a vast fleet of about 750,000 mobile robots working across Amazon’s U.S. facilities.
My Daily Responsibilities
Every day, I’m on duty for two 10-hour shifts. Here’s a glimpse into what I do:
- Moving Heavy Loads: My main task is to lift and transport wheeled carts in the outbound area. These carts, sometimes weighing up to 800 pounds, carry packages ready for shipment. By handling these heavy loads, I reduce the physical strain on my human co-workers, helping to prevent injuries and improve overall efficiency.
- Staying Alert: I’m designed to be compact—standing only about 7.8 inches tall—but I’m mighty, with the power to lift nearly 900 pounds. My sensors keep me aware of my surroundings, ensuring I can stop quickly to avoid collisions with carts, chutes, other robots, or people.
- Recharging Breaks: Just like you might take a coffee break, I take a “sip” of electricity every couple of hours. I find a charging dock, connect myself, and recharge for about 15 minutes before heading back out. I know exactly where each charger is thanks to Amazon’s advanced navigation technology called SLAM, which maps out my work environment.
How I Operate
All of my movements and tasks are coordinated by a centralized warehouse management system that tells everyone—from people to robots—what to do and when to do it. This smart system even alerts me when a truck is on its way, so I know when to bring a cart over.
Teamwork with Humans
Even though I work independently, I couldn’t function without the support of my human colleagues. Floor monitors keep my pathways clear and ensure the work area is safe, while maintenance engineers—like my colleague Conor Vance in Nashville—take care of all my upkeep. Conor explains that every 13 weeks, they perform preventive maintenance on me: cleaning my sensors and cameras, checking my wheels, and running diagnostics to ensure I’m in perfect condition. This teamwork not only keeps me running smoothly but also creates more job opportunities for people interested in robotics maintenance through programs like Career Choice.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, my routine is not all that different from a typical workday in any office. I interact with an amazing team, move from task to task, and help make sure your packages arrive quickly and safely. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a cart waiting for me—a new delivery just around the corner. Time to roll out!
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