Amazon to Test Humanoid Robots for Last-Mile Delivery

Amazon is taking a bold step toward the future of delivery logistics by testing bipedal humanoid robots to deliver packages. The tech giant has reportedly constructed a sophisticated indoor obstacle course to evaluate robots from several manufacturers—most notably, Chinese robotics company Unitree, known for its agile and affordable humanoid prototypes.

The tests aim to determine how well these humanoid robots can navigate real-world environments: stairs, doorways, cluttered paths, and uneven surfaces. These are the kinds of challenges that traditional wheeled robots often struggle with—making humanoids an ideal candidate for the complexities of last-mile delivery.

What sets Amazon’s approach apart is the integration of this robotic workforce with its existing electric delivery infrastructure. Future scenarios could see these humanoid robots riding in the back of Amazon’s Rivian electric vans, disembarking autonomously, and walking packages straight to your doorstep.

This move signals Amazon’s growing interest in automating every segment of its logistics pipeline—from warehouse picking and sorting to doorstep delivery. If successful, this could reduce the reliance on human delivery drivers, boost efficiency, and pave the way for 24/7 autonomous package delivery.

As the company scales its robot trials, the implications for both the robotics industry and the gig economy are significant. For now, the robots are still learning to walk the walk. But if Amazon has its way, they’ll soon be knocking on your door.