Amazon Launches Next-Generation Proteus Robot as Part of €10 Billion Europe Investment

Amazon has unveiled an upgraded AI-powered mobile robot capable of responding to conversational prompts, marking a significant step in the company's efforts to automate warehouse operations and improve delivery efficiency.

The announcement was made during Amazon's Delivering the Future event at its Dartford fulfillment center near London. The launch forms part of the company's €10 billion ($11.6 billion) investment in its European fulfillment network.

The new robot is an enhanced version of Amazon's Proteus autonomous mobile robot, which is currently deployed at 25 sites across the United States.

Unlike the existing Proteus system, which primarily operates in dock areas moving carts weighing up to 400 kilograms, the next-generation model will be able to navigate across warehouse floors and perform a wider range of tasks.

The upgraded robot introduces a more intuitive way for employees to interact with automation systems through conversational instructions.

Scott Dresser, Vice President of Amazon Robotics, said:

“You tell it what needs to be done. It figures out the priority, the route, the timing.”

Amazon expects the new Proteus robot to begin deployment across Europe during the first half of 2027.

In addition to Proteus, the company showcased several other warehouse automation technologies. These included STARK, a robotic tote-handling system that was first piloted in Barcelona and is scheduled to be deployed at 15 European facilities by 2027.

Amazon also highlighted Vulcan, its first warehouse robot equipped with a sense of touch, designed to improve handling and interaction with items inside fulfillment centers.

Beyond robotics, Amazon announced plans to expand its delivery infrastructure across Europe. The company intends to launch more than 25 sub-same-day delivery facilities this year, including new sites in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Amazon Now, the company’s rapid-delivery service for everyday essentials, will also expand to Manchester and Birmingham as part of its continued growth strategy in the UK market.

The company reported that same-day grocery delivery is currently available in more than 2,300 cities across the United States as well as selected areas of Tokyo. Additional expansion is planned for Japan, the United Kingdom, and other international markets.

Amazon also confirmed that Alexa+, its next-generation AI-powered assistant, will be introduced in 10 additional countries during 2027.

The announcements come as Amazon continues to increase investment in artificial intelligence and automation technologies. Earlier this year, the company projected capital expenditures of approximately $200 billion for 2026, reflecting a significant increase in spending on AI infrastructure and related technologies.