Amazon boosts automation at its substantial Delaware warehouse through increased use of robots
Amazon is set to augment its workforce at the Delaware fulfillment center with robots capable of handling packages weighing up to 50 pounds, easing the physical strain on human workers. The facility, covering 3.6 million square feet and employing around 9,500 part-time and full-time employees, currently houses approximately 6,000 robots and operates round-the-clock1.
To boost efficiency and reduce the physical strain on workers, Amazon is investing in additional automation at the Wilmington center, including new robots that can help move containers packed with products before shipping. These upgrades should be in place by the holiday shopping season1.
The aim is to lighten the workload of human employees by handling repetitive and strenuous tasks such as heavy lifting and extensive walking. This transition aims to create a safer, less physically taxing work environment1. Employees will shift from manual package handling to roles focusing on quality control, supervision of robotic systems, and maintenance of automation equipment1.
Just as important, these robots enable faster processing and shipping of goods. For instance, a robot will transport containers filled with packages straight to the dock door, permitting human employees to load the products onto delivery trucks more efficiently2. This enhancement helps the center effectively manage the processing of about 5 million items each week1.
The fulfillment center, which opened in 2021 and occupies a former General Motors manufacturing plant, formed part of a $4.5 million performance grant provided by the Delaware government1. Amazon signed a 20-year lease agreement with industrial developer Dermody Properties for the building1. Regardless of ongoing trade tariffs, the Wilmington center has continued to process products efficiently, reinforcing its resilience1.
Fulfillment centers like the one in Wilmington are just one component of Amazon's extensive supply chain. These facilities employ a blend of automation and manual processes throughout the order fulfillment process4. Upon arrival, shipped goods are broken down, sorted, and shelved by human employees, with automation stepping in to optimize packaging, shipping, and delivery processes4.
As it continues to expand, Amazon intends to invest in new robotic arms in other areas of the facility3. Nationwide, the average hourly wage for positions in customer fulfillment centers and operations is $22, with benefits increasing the estimated value to $29 per hour3. Amazon did not disclose the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining robots3. However, the company is committed to optimizing its supply chain using generative artificial intelligence for planning, forecasting, and delivery routing, as well as creating new robotic and automation capabilities5.
- The investment in new robotic systems at Amazon's Wilmington center signifies the company's intention to leverage technology in the finance and business sectors, aiming to streamline their industry operations and boost efficiency.
- As Amazon continues to implement advanced automation in its fulfillment centers, such as the one in Wilmington, it becomes evident that the finance and business sectors are increasingly relying on technology to enhance their processes, reduce risks, and maintain resilience in the face of challenges.
