Amazon has announced a major series of investments to accelerate innovation across logistics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and workforce development. During its Delivering the Future event in London, the company introduced the next-generation Proteus autonomous robot, expanded its Amazon Now ultra-fast delivery service, and committed $1 billion to employee upskilling programs worldwide.
The company also revealed plans to invest more than €10 billion in European fulfillment centers and to create 25,000 new jobs across the region.
New Proteus Robot Powered by Advanced AI
Amazon’s latest Proteus robot can now operate throughout fulfillment centers rather than being limited to loading dock areas.
Powered by advanced AI, employees can interact with the robot using natural-language prompts rather than complex programming commands. Proteus can independently determine task priorities, routes, and execution schedules.
The robot is designed to handle physically demanding tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value responsibilities such as inventory management and quality assurance.
Amazon plans to deploy the new Proteus system across Europe beginning in the first half of 2027.
Amazon Invests Over €10 Billion in European Logistics Network
The investment will support the modernization and expansion of Amazon’s European fulfillment network by integrating advanced robotics and automation technologies.
Key technologies include Vulcan, Amazon’s first robot with a sense of touch, and STARK, a collaborative robotic system that works alongside employees to move inventory efficiently.
Amazon expects STARK to be operational in 15 European facilities by 2027.
25,000 New Jobs Planned Across Europe
Alongside automation investments, Amazon announced plans to expand its European workforce by approximately 25,000 employees over the coming years.
The company says the strategy focuses on combining technology with workforce development, creating opportunities for employees to move into higher-skilled positions.
Amazon Commits $1 Billion to Career Choice Program
Amazon is investing $1 billion globally by 2030 into its Career Choice education initiative, part of the broader Future Ready 2030 program.
More than 300,000 employees have already participated in Career Choice, gaining access to fully funded education and training programs in high-demand sectors, including:
- Cybersecurity
- Software Development
- Logistics
- Renewable Energy
- Mechatronics
The expanded funding will significantly increase access to career advancement opportunities worldwide.
Amazon Now Expands 30-Minute Delivery Service
Amazon Now, the company’s rapid-delivery service offering groceries and essential items in 30 minutes or less, is expanding internationally.
Currently operating in parts of London, the service will soon launch in Manchester and Birmingham, while further expansion continues across India and additional global markets.
The service relies on strategically located micro-fulfillment centers to reduce delivery times.
Same-Day Delivery Network Expands Across Europe
Amazon is also scaling its Sub Same-Day Delivery model, which combines storage, fulfillment, and delivery operations within a single facility.
Customers in participating European cities can place orders as late as 5 p.m. and receive them by 10 p.m. the same day.
Sustainability Goals Advance with 50,000 Electric Delivery Vans
Amazon has reached a significant sustainability milestone by deploying more than 50,000 electric delivery vans globally.
The fleet includes vehicles developed in partnership with Rivian as well as models from Mercedes-Benz and other manufacturers.
The initiative supports Amazon’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Amazon Surpasses 100 Million Micromobility Deliveries in Europe
The company also announced that it has completed more than 100 million deliveries across Europe using electric cargo bikes, electric mopeds, and pedestrian delivery methods.
According to Amazon, these efforts have prevented over 17,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, supporting cleaner urban logistics and sustainable transportation.
Image: Amazon
