Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Autonomous Mobile Robots and Amazon Oper...

Chao, Raul O., Esc...

Case

Autonomous Mobile Robots and Amazon Operations

Chao, Raul O.; Escobio, Andrea

OM-1831 | Published April 1, 2025 | 10 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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This case explores the strategic and operational implications of expanding the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon), beyond warehouse automation, moving into last-mile delivery. Set at Amazon’s headquarters, the narrative follows Valentina, a summer intern tasked with analyzing how AMRs might transform Amazon’s transportation network. Through Valentina’s journey, students are invited to assess the technological feasibility, cost-benefit trade-offs, operational, and logistical challenges associated with deploying AMRs at scale. The case also provides a historical and technical overview of AMRs, Amazon’s robotics evolution following its acquisition of Kiva Systems, Inc., and the broader implications of automation on workforce and infrastructure. This case is ideal for discussions on operations strategy, emerging technologies, innovation management, and the future of logistics.