Amazon unveils next-generation Proteus robot and expands European warehouses with €10 billion investment

Amazon showcased an upgraded Proteus robot at its Dartford fulfillment centre that can respond to conversational prompts and operate across warehouse floors, due in Europe in the first half of 2027. The current Proteus, deployed at 25 U.S. sites, operates only in dock areas and moves carts weighing up to nearly 400 kg.

The new Proteus can autonomously determine task priority, route, and timing when given instructions. Amazon also showcased STARK, a robotic tote-handling system set to roll out to 15 European sites by 2027, and Vulcan, its first robot with a sense of touch.

Amazon will launch more than 25 sub-same-day delivery sites across Europe this year and expand Amazon Now (its ultra-fast essentials delivery service) to Manchester and Birmingham. Same-day delivery for fresh groceries is now available in more than 2,300 U.S. cities and parts of Tokyo.

The €10 billion ($11.6 billion) investment is part of Amazon's broader capital expenditure forecast of $200 billion for this year. Alexa+, Amazon's next-generation AI assistant, will launch in 10 additional countries in 2027.