Seattle: E-commerce giant Amazon is fast-tracking its shift toward an AI-driven logistics ecosystem, unveiling three new technologies that are expected to redefine the way its warehouses and delivery systems operate. The newly introduced tools — a sorting robot, an AI management agent, and augmented-reality glasses for drivers — are designed to make human employees more efficient while simultaneously reducing the company’s dependence on manual labour.
According to The Wall Street Journal, these developments mark a significant milestone in CEO Andy Jassy’s ongoing effort to integrate artificial intelligence into Amazon’s vast fulfilment network, enhancing speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
Blue Jay robot to revolutionise package sorting
One of the most prominent new tools is the Blue Jay Robot, a robotic arm developed to sort packages faster and more accurately. The robot is currently being tested at an Amazon facility in South Carolina, and the company plans to deploy it across same-day delivery centres to facilitate cheaper and quicker deliveries.
The Blue Jay system leverages computer vision and machine learning to identify package types, optimise placement on conveyor belts, and minimise sorting errors. With increasing delivery demand, this innovation could play a crucial role in streamlining Amazon’s last-mile logistics.
Eluna AI agent to optimise human deployment
The second major innovation is Eluna, an AI management agent designed to improve workforce allocation inside fulfilment centres. Eluna uses predictive analytics to identify potential bottlenecks in operations and recommend real-time adjustments.
For instance, if a section of a warehouse becomes overloaded with sorting tasks, Eluna can instantly suggest redeploying workers from another area to maintain operational balance. This system is slated for testing at a Tennessee warehouse and could significantly enhance decision-making efficiency for on-site managers.
“Where should we shift people to avoid a bottleneck?” is one of the many complex queries Eluna can answer autonomously, according to reports.
AR glasses to assist delivery drivers
Amazon’s third innovation targets the delivery phase of its logistics chain. The company is developing AI-powered augmented-reality (AR) glasses that allow drivers to:
- Identify the correct packages more easily
- Access turn-by-turn navigation
- Receive alerts about potential obstacles, including dogs or blocked entryways
Currently, these functions are handled via drivers’ smartphones, but the AR glasses aim to provide a hands-free experience that improves both speed and safety during deliveries.
A vision for an AI-powered workforce
Amazon has long maintained that automation and AI integration are aimed at enhancing worker safety and efficiency, not outright job replacement. However, industry analysts suggest that as AI systems become more advanced, the company’s dependence on manual labour may continue to decline.
According to Morgan Stanley, nearly 40 fulfilment centres will be equipped with advanced robotics by the end of next year, potentially saving Amazon up to $4 billion annually. Presently, approximately 75% of Amazon’s deliveries involve some form of robotic assistance, highlighting how central automation has become to its operations.
Balancing efficiency and employment
While Amazon continues to champion its AI-first strategy, concerns persist about the impact on employment in its warehouses. Labour unions and worker advocates have raised questions about the long-term consequences of automation, particularly regarding job displacement and workplace stress due to increased machine oversight.
In response, Amazon has emphasised its commitment to retraining programmes, enabling employees to transition into technical roles such as robotics maintenance, AI system monitoring, and logistics analytics.
Conclusion
The introduction of Blue Jay, Eluna, and AI-powered AR glasses demonstrates Amazon’s ambition to create a self-learning, semi-autonomous logistics network. As the company’s fulfilment system becomes more data-driven, it signals the next major evolution in AI-enabled global commerce, blending human adaptability with robotic precision to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency.