Amazon commits €10bn to Europe, unveils next-gen Proteus robot
AMZN•Amazon has unveiled an upgraded Proteus autonomous warehouse robot as part of a €10bn programme to modernise its European fulfilment and delivery network and create 25,000 jobs. The next-generation Proteus uses AI-driven natural language task assignments to haul heavy carts and move containers, with European deployment slated for H1 2027.
1. €10bn European Investment Programme
Amazon announced a €10bn investment programme to modernise its European fulfilment and delivery network through robotics, workforce development and infrastructure upgrades across multiple countries.
2. Proteus Robot Upgrades and Capabilities
The redesigned Proteus extends beyond dock areas into both fulfilment and delivery facilities, moving containers between workstations and hauling heavy carts over long distances to support staff operations.
3. AI-Driven Task Management
Proteus incorporates AI-driven natural language processing, allowing employees to assign tasks via plain English instructions without specialised programming and freeing staff to focus on inventory management and quality control.
4. Deployment Timeline and Job Creation
Proteus is currently in laboratory testing with European rollout expected in the first half of 2027; the broader plan includes Vulcan and STARK systems and will create 25,000 jobs continent-wide.
