Amazon robot
Amazon Robot
| Artist/Maker |
The Amazon robot is being loaned for the 'Automation and Labour: The Changing Nature of Work' section of the Design: 1900 to Now galleries. Along with the Motorola Wearable terminal (CD.39-2014), it tells the story of how the nature of retail work has changed to meet the demand for next-day deliveries. The robot has automated part of the warehouse worker's role, reducing the amount they must walk and, in turn, increasing efficiency. Amazon is one of the world's largest online marketplaces, a household name, and a leader of warehouse innovation.
It is possible to see the Amazon robot in action in one of the Amazon warehouses (or 'fulfilment centres) here: https://web.archive.org/web/20221006014949/https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/community/look-inside-an-amazon-fulfilment-centre-with-a-guided-video-tour
It is possible to see the Amazon robot in action in one of the Amazon warehouses (or 'fulfilment centres) here: https://web.archive.org/web/20221006014949/https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/community/look-inside-an-amazon-fulfilment-centre-with-a-guided-video-tour
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Amazon robot (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Amazon warehouse robot |
| Physical description | An orange robot with features including a turn-table and a camera to enable it to carry shelves to warehouse workers. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Gallery label | A robot as my colleague
Online shopping is radically changing the way we shop, and with it, the nature of retail work. To meet demand for next-day deliveries, retailers are using technology to boost efficiency in their warehouses. Robots used in Amazon distribution centres bring shelves with products to workers, reducing walking time and increasing capacity. Elsewhere, wrist-worn computers provide employees with automated instructions on which products to collect, scan and pack, and give immediate feedback. While automation speeds up order processing and reduces the potential for error, it also changes how we work and who we work with.
Wrist-worn computer
Motorola WT41N0, 2013
Designed by and manufactured for Motorola Solutions, USA
Plastic case, textile strap and electronic components
Given by Symbol Technologies, Inc.
Museum no. CD.39:1 to 5-2014
Amazon warehouse robot
2020
Designed by Amazon Robotics, USA
Metal casing and electronic components
On loan from Amazon Services UK
Museum no. LOAN:DAD.1-2021
The object sits in the 'Automation and Labour' section of the Design 1900-Now gallery opened in June 2021.(17/06/2021) |
| Credit line | Lent by Amazon UK Services Ltd |
| Summary | The Amazon robot is being loaned for the 'Automation and Labour: The Changing Nature of Work' section of the Design: 1900 to Now galleries. Along with the Motorola Wearable terminal (CD.39-2014), it tells the story of how the nature of retail work has changed to meet the demand for next-day deliveries. The robot has automated part of the warehouse worker's role, reducing the amount they must walk and, in turn, increasing efficiency. Amazon is one of the world's largest online marketplaces, a household name, and a leader of warehouse innovation. It is possible to see the Amazon robot in action in one of the Amazon warehouses (or 'fulfilment centres) here: https://web.archive.org/web/20221006014949/https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/community/look-inside-an-amazon-fulfilment-centre-with-a-guided-video-tour |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | LOAN:DAD.1-2021 |
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| Record created | April 1, 2021 |
| Record URL |
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