Amazon unveils new warehouse robot as AI layoffs continue

Amazon has introduced a new warehouse robot, Proteus, that can respond to workers’ commands in natural language. The robot was shown at the company’s Delivering the Future event in London and is designed to move items through fulfillment centers more efficiently. The original Proteus has already been deployed in 25 U.S. fulfillment centers, and Amazon plans to expand the updated version to Europe in the first half of 2027. The company also said it will invest 10 billion euros to modernize its European operations over the next several years. The announcement comes as Amazon continues cutting corporate jobs while increasing spending on AI and automation. Amazon leaders say robotics can create new roles and support hiring in warehouses, though critics say automation may still reduce some jobs over time.