Amazon adds an AI solution called “Sequoia” to speed up order shipping by 25%

Amazon has seamlessly integrated an artificial intelligence solution named “Sequoia” into its Houston warehouse, boasting an enhancement in item picking and storage speeds by up to 75%, while accelerating order dispatch rates by 25%.

The AI system, “Sequoia,” initiates its operations with delivery robots transporting goods to sorting stations. Leveraging integrated computer vision, robotic arms identify and distribute goods, after which warehouse personnel oversee the final stages of order fulfillment. During this distribution process, the robotic arm positions items at approximately waist height for the warehouse workers, streamlining the distribution process and eliminating the need for manual retrieval from high shelves.

Through this innovative solution, Amazon asserts an amplification in warehouse inventory and shipping efficiency, ensuring swifter deliveries and a shorter time frame for products to reach consumers. Beyond the advancements provided by “Sequoia,” Amazon had previously incorporated the “Sparrow” robotic arm to facilitate item sorting and distribution.

However, a 2020 report by the Center for Investigative Reporting revealed that between 2016 and 2019, Amazon logistics centers equipped with these robots saw an injury rate 50% higher among their employees compared to traditional human-operated facilities.

Several factors contribute to this statistic: many workers remain unaccustomed to collaborating with robots, leading to potential collisions or entrapment. Additionally, the integration of robots has significantly augmented the scanning workload. While previously, an employee would scan approximately 100 items per hour, with the incorporation of robotics in picking and sorting, this number has surged to 400 scans per hour. This efficiency necessitates an increase in staff numbers but concurrently elevates the probability of injuries caused by robotic malfunctions within the logistics center.

Nevertheless, in subsequent clarifications, Amazon emphasized that through data-driven training and workplace reconfiguration, they have substantially reduced instances of robot-related worker injuries.