Amazon introduces Sequoia robotic inventory system and plans Digit tests

Amazon introduced Sequoia on 18 October 2023, with the robotic inventory system already operating at a fulfilment centre in Houston, Texas. Amazon says the system can identify and store incoming inventory up to 75% faster and reduce order-processing time by up to 25%. It separately announced plans to begin testing Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid for tote recycling, moving empty containers after inventory has been picked.

Sequoia combines mobile robots, gantries and ergonomic workstations to deliver containers to employees. Items arrive between mid-thigh and mid-chest height, reducing the need to reach above the head or squat to pick. Sparrow robotic arms consolidate inventory into totes, helping the system organise storage and return containers to circulation.

Amazon reported more than 750,000 robots in its operations network at the time of the announcement. Its planned Digit evaluation would explore how a mobile biped could handle totes within spaces designed for people, while Sequoia was already performing inventory work in Houston. The announcements therefore covered both an operating warehouse system and a separate humanoid trial programme.