Overview
Amazon announced a major expansion of its European logistics footprint, committing €10 billion to its regional fulfillment network and unveiling an upgraded, AI-powered version of its Proteus mobile robot. The company presented the next-generation Proteus at an event titled "Delivering the Future" held at its Dartford fulfillment centre east of London.
Robotics and warehouse automation
The new Proteus model is designed to work beyond dock areas and operate across warehouse floors, a shift from the current Proteus units that are limited to docks. The existing version functions at 25 U.S. sites and is used in dock areas only, moving carts that can weigh up to nearly 400 kg (882 lbs). The upgraded machine is equipped to respond to conversational prompts and to coordinate tasks autonomously. "You tell it what needs to be done. It figures out the priority, the route, the timing," said Scott Dresser, vice president of Amazon Robotics.
Amazon said the new Proteus will arrive in Europe in the first half of 2027. At the same event the company also introduced STARK, a robotic tote-handling system that was first trialled in Barcelona and is slated to be deployed to 15 European sites by 2027, and Vulcan, described as Amazon's first robot with a sense of touch.
Delivery network expansion
On the delivery front, Amazon said it will open more than 25 sub-same-day delivery sites across Europe this year, including locations in Britain and Germany. The company also plans to expand Amazon Now, its ultra-fast essentials delivery service, to Manchester and Birmingham in Britain.
Separately, same-day delivery for fresh groceries is already available in more than 2,300 U.S. cities and in parts of Tokyo. Further expansion of same-day grocery delivery is planned in Japan, Britain and other countries in the coming months.
Software and services
Amazon also confirmed plans to roll out Alexa+, its next-generation AI assistant, to 10 additional countries in 2027.
Capital spending outlook
Earlier this year in February, Amazon forecast that capital expenditures would increase by more than 50% to $200 billion for the year.
Key points
- Amazon will invest €10 billion in its European fulfillment network, with major automation and delivery expansions planned.
- Next-generation Proteus robots capable of conversational commands will be introduced in Europe in the first half of 2027; STARK and Vulcan robotics are also being rolled out to multiple sites.
- Same-day and ultra-fast delivery services are expanding across Europe, while existing U.S. same-day grocery delivery covers more than 2,300 cities.
Risks and uncertainties
- Timing and scale of deployments - several key rollouts are scheduled through 2027, and actual site-level implementation timing could vary.
- Operational integration - expanding robotic systems from dock-only to warehouse-floor operations introduces changes to workflows that may affect labor routines and throughput.
- Capital execution - the company previously projected a substantial increase in capital expenditures, and translating that forecast into effective site-level investments carries execution risk.