Amazon has made a significant expansion to its robotics division by hiring the founders of Covariant and a portion of the startup’s employees. Along with this acquisition, Amazon has also secured a non-exclusive license to utilize Covariant’s robotic foundation models.
Covariant, known for its expertise in building AI models for robots, has primarily focused on developing advanced capabilities for warehouse tasks such as bin picking. This aligns perfectly with Amazon’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operations in fulfillment centers.
Joseph Quinlivan, Vice President of Amazon Fulfillment Technologies & Robotics, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the potential for AI and robots to assist the company’s operations employees. By integrating Covariant’s AI technology into their existing robot fleet, Amazon aims to improve performance and deliver tangible value to customers.
This move by Amazon is reminiscent of their previous “reverse acquihire” strategy, where talent and technology are acquired without full possession of the startup. Earlier this year, Amazon hired the founders of AI startup Adept, allowing them to access innovative technology while avoiding potential antitrust concerns.
With the addition of Covariant’s talented team and cutting-edge technology, Amazon is positioned to further strengthen its position as a leader in the robotics industry. This collaboration exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to improving operational efficiency in its vast network of fulfillment centers.