Amazon's Use of Autonomous Robots and Digital Labor Tracking in Logistics

Amazon 在物流中使用自主機器人與數位勞工追蹤

Jun 25, 2026, 18:45

Introduction

Amazon is increasing its operational capacity by using advanced autonomous robots and wearable technology to track employee work in its fulfillment centers.

Amazon 正透過使用先進的自主機器人與穿戴式科技來追蹤配送中心的員工工作，以提升營運能力。

Main Body

The company has added over one million robots to its global network to help move, sort, and find inventory. A key part of this plan is the Proteus series; the first version allowed robots to work safely around humans without needing physical barriers. The newer Proteus 2 uses AI and natural language processing, which means staff can now give voice commands to plan routes and complete tasks. Furthermore, systems like the Vulcan robotic arm and the Stark crate-handler automate repetitive physical work to reduce employee strain. Tye Brady, the Chief Technologist, emphasized that these changes have led to a 41% decrease in workplace accidents and a 40% increase in total output.

該公司已在全球網絡中增加了超過一百萬台機器人，以協助搬運、分類及尋找庫存。此計劃的核心是 Proteus 系列；首個版本允許機器人在無需實體圍欄的情況下，在人類身邊安全工作。較新的 Proteus 2 則採用 AI 與自然語言處理，這意味著員工現在可以使用語音指令來規劃路徑並完成任務。此外，如 Vulcan 機械手臂與 Stark 貨箱處理機等系統將重複性的體力工作自動化，以減輕員工壓力。首席技術官 Tye Brady 強調，這些變革已使職場事故減少了 41%，且總產量增加了 40%。

At the same time, Amazon is testing 'Right Station Link,' a system that uses wearable devices to digitally track 'indirect' roles, such as maintenance and safety staff. Internal documents show that these roles cost the company approximately $2.8 billion in labor expenses. Consequently, the company wants to replace manual time-sheets with automated digital signals to better manage staffing and reduce wasted time. While Amazon claims this is simply a way to improve workforce management, the system is designed to ensure workers follow staffing models and minimize idle time. This combined strategy of physical automation and digital monitoring aims to increase efficiency and speed up deliveries in North American and European markets.

與此同時，Amazon 正在測試「Right Station Link」，這是一個利用穿戴式裝置來數位追蹤「間接」職位（如維護與安全人員）的系統。內部文件顯示，這些職位使公司承擔約 28 億美元的勞動力成本。因此，公司希望將手動工時表替換為自動化數位訊號，以更好地管理人力並減少時間浪費。雖然 Amazon 聲稱這僅是一種改善勞動力管理的方法，但該系統旨在確保員工遵循人力配置模型並將閒置時間最小化。這種結合實體自動化與數位監控的策略，旨在提高效率並加快北美與歐洲市場的配送速度。

Conclusion

Amazon continues to improve its robotics and labor tracking systems to make its global delivery operations faster and safer.

Amazon 持續改進其機器人與勞工追蹤系統，使全球配送營運更加快速且安全。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Precision' Leap: Moving from Basic to Professional English

At the A2 level, you describe things simply: "Amazon uses robots to work faster." To reach B2, you must stop using 'general' verbs and start using 'impact' verbs.

⚡ The 'Power Verb' Shift

Look at how the article transforms simple ideas into professional ones. This is the secret to sounding more fluent:

Instead of "Help" $\rightarrow$ Facilitate / Enhance
- A2: Robots help move things.
- B2: Robots increase operational capacity.
Instead of "Stop" $\rightarrow$ Minimize / Reduce
- A2: They want to stop wasted time.
- B2: They aim to minimize idle time.
Instead of "Change" $\rightarrow$ Automate / Transform
- A2: They change how people track time.
- B2: They replace manual time-sheets with automated digital signals.

🧩 Connecting Ideas (The Glue)

B2 speakers don't just write short sentences. They use 'Logical Connectors' to show cause and effect. Notice these three from the text:

"Furthermore" $\rightarrow$ Use this when you want to add more important information to a list. (Better than saying "And also").
"Consequently" $\rightarrow$ Use this to show a direct result. (Better than saying "So").
"While..." $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Use this to contrast two different ideas in one sentence.
- Example: While Amazon claims this is for management, the system is actually designed for monitoring.

🛠️ Vocabulary Spotlight: 'The Corporate Toolkit'

Copy these phrases to sound more like a B2 professional:

$\text{Internal documents show...}$ (Use this to introduce evidence).
$\text{A key part of this plan is...}$ (Use this to highlight the most important point).
$\text{Designed to ensure...}$ (Use this to explain the purpose of a tool or rule).

Vocabulary Learning

autonomous (adj.)

Able to operate or control itself without direct human intervention.

Example:The company is testing autonomous vehicles that can navigate city streets without a driver.

capacity (n.)

The maximum amount that something can contain or produce.

Example:The factory is operating at full capacity to meet the holiday demand.

fulfillment centers (n.)

Warehouses where incoming customer orders are received, packed, and shipped.

Example:Amazon uses large fulfillment centers to ensure fast delivery of products.

barriers (n.)

Physical structures or obstacles that prevent movement or access.

Example:The construction site was surrounded by safety barriers to protect pedestrians.

automate (v.)

To make a process operate automatically by using machines or computers.

Example:Many companies automate their billing systems to reduce manual errors.

repetitive (adj.)

Something that happens over and over again, often in a boring way.

Example:Assembly line work can be very repetitive and tiring for employees.

emphasized (v.)

To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.

Example:The manager emphasized the importance of punctuality during the meeting.

approximately (adv.)

Used to show that a number or amount is almost exact but not precise; roughly.

Example:The journey from the city center to the airport takes approximately 30 minutes.

consequently (adv.)

As a result of something that has happened.

Example:He failed to study for the exam; consequently, he received a low grade.

minimize (v.)

To reduce something, especially something unwanted, to the smallest possible amount.

Example:The new software is designed to minimize the risk of data loss.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→