Amazon gears up to leverage 'must have' humanoid robots for package deliveries with Rivian electric vans
Amazon has built an built an obstacle course inside a facility with the aim of testing the ability of humanoid robots to make deliveries of packages via Rivian electric vans.
In a LinkedIn post, Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, said: “This isn’t new information. I broke a story two months ago that Amazon is building its own humanoid robots, and that it’s also testing robots from other companies like Figure. In 2023, I challenged Amazon to automate the back of Rivian vans to make deliveries of packages, food, and snacks. Years earlier I coined the term, hail a store.”
In 2024, Ladd broke stories that Amazon built an automated micro-fulfillment centre that fits in the back of Rivian vans. The vans will be stocked with everyday essentials like toothpaste, razors, over the counter medicines, soda, snacks and groceries. Certain vans will only be stocked with a few types products; prodicts for babies for example.
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Amazon is currently testing out the technology. The plan is for it to offer consumers an option to “hail a van” to their location. Consumers will be able to walk out and buy the products they want. Another option is that a robot (possibly a humanoid) will take the items ordered by customers and deliver them to the door of a home, business or apartment.
Ladd commented: “Amazon has no choice but to build software that will allow it to communicate with and leverage robots. The primary impact of AI is that it accelerates velocity across an enterprise or an ecosystem. This means that Amazon has to be able to work 24/7 365 days per year to meet the increased demand AI will generate. It must accelerate the speed of its supply chain and logistics. Humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles are a must have for Amazon.”
He concluded: “Will Amazon be able to leverage humanoid robots to make package deliveries anytime soon? No. A lot of work has to be done first. Is it likely that by 2030 the company will be utilising robots in conjunction with Rivian vans? Yes, that’s certainly possible. However, will they be humanoid robots? Humanoid robots will have to massively improve to make them capable of delivering packages.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
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