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Amazon Expands AI‑Powered Robot Fleet to Over 3,000 in Kent Facility

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Robot Count Surpasses 3,000 Units in Four‑Story Center More than 3,000 autonomous robots now operate inside Amazon’s four‑story Kent fulfillment center, navigating aisles by following QR codes embedded in the floor and continuously transporting packages as of February 20, 2026 [1].

New Algorithms Boost Speed, Obstacle Avoidance, and Throughput Updated AI‑driven software refines robot movement paths, improves obstacle detection, and raises overall processing speed, reflecting Amazon’s intensified focus on artificial‑intelligence enhancements [1].

Human Technicians Remain Critical for Safety and Flow Employees such as amnesty technician Manny Thompson wear green safety vests that signal robots to halt when he approaches, clearing pathways and monitoring robot traffic to prevent collisions [1].

Layoffs Fund AI Investment, Not Job Elimination in Warehouse Earlier in 2026 Amazon eliminated 16,000 corporate positions and previously cut 14,000 jobs, redirecting the savings toward AI research and automation projects like the Kent robot upgrade [1].

Decade‑Long Evolution Continues with Continuous Software Upgrades Senior operations manager Antonella Godoy notes that while robots have been present for over ten years, the “brains” are regularly refreshed as new technologies emerge, sustaining performance gains [1].

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Timeline

Since ≈ 2015: Amazon starts deploying robots in its fulfillment network, launching a decade‑long evolution of automation that later underpins AI‑driven upgrades [2].

2025: AstraZeneca pauses its £200 million Cambridge investment, sparking worries that the setback could ripple through the local science sector and slow recruitment momentum [1].

Fall 2025: Amazon cuts 14,000 corporate positions in a cost‑saving wave that later funds its AI and automation push [2].

Early 2026: Jane Hutchins, director of Cambridge Science Park, says 2026 is a breakthrough year for the 150‑acre site, highlighting strong political backing and a tenant base of more than 100 companies [1].

Early 2026: Cambridge Consultants displays two humanoid robots that walk, blink and wave, illustrating “physical AI” that learns everyday physical rules beyond traditional automation [1].

Early 2026: Tim Ensor of Cambridge Consultants claims physical AI is nearing a “ChatGPT moment,” giving robots common‑sense abilities for a broader range of tasks [1].

Early 2026: Xampla lands a contract to coat Just Eat takeaway boxes with a plant‑based pea‑protein layer, creating water‑ and oil‑resistant, recyclable packaging [1].

Early 2026: Owlstone Medical celebrates its 10th anniversary at the park, begins the next stage of UK lung‑cancer trials, and signs an ARPA‑H deal to develop at‑home multi‑cancer breath‑test kits [1].

Feb 20, 2026: More than 3,000 robots navigate Amazon’s four‑story Kent fulfillment center, following floor‑mounted QR codes to transport packages continuously [2].

Feb 20, 2026: New AI‑driven algorithms sharpen robot movement, obstacle avoidance and throughput, reflecting Amazon’s intensified AI investment after corporate layoffs [2].

Feb 20, 2026: Human “amnesty” technicians like Manny Thompson wear green vests that signal robots to stop, creating specialized safety roles that exist because of the robots’ presence [2].

Feb 20, 2026: Senior operations manager Antonella Godoy notes that robot “brains” are continuously upgraded as new technology emerges, ensuring ongoing performance improvements [2].

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