Amazon has announced sweeping plans to modernise its European operations, unveiling an upgraded version of its autonomous warehouse robot, Proteus, at the Delivering the Future event in Dartford, England. The new Proteus can now move freely across warehouse floors and respond to everyday language commands, making it more versatile than earlier models restricted to loading and dock areas. Designed to handle physically demanding tasks such as moving heavy carts, the robot is currently undergoing laboratory tests and is expected to begin operations in Europe by the first half of 2027.
Alongside Proteus, Amazon showcased other robotics innovations, including Vulcan, its first robot with a sense of touch, and STARK, a tote-handling system tested in Barcelona that will be deployed at 15 sites across Europe by 2027. These technologies form part of a €10 billion investment programme aimed at expanding and modernising fulfilment centres across the continent. The company said the initiative will create 25,000 additional jobs while supporting long-term growth.
Amazon also pledged $1 billion to its Career Choice programme by 2030, funding training in fields such as cyber security, logistics, renewable energy, and software development. More than 300,000 employees worldwide have already benefited, including 30,000 in the UK. On the delivery side, the company will open over 25 Sub Same-Day Delivery sites across Europe this year, expanding ultra-fast services like Amazon Now to new cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry, and Nürnberg.
The retailer further highlighted sustainability milestones, revealing that over 50,000 electric vans are now in operation globally, half of its 2030 target. In Europe, Amazon and its partners have completed more than 100 million deliveries using electric bikes, mopeds, and on-foot methods, avoiding 17,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions. The company said these efforts, alongside its record €60 billion investment in Europe in 2025, underscore its commitment to innovation, workforce development, and greener logistics.