Discover how cutting-edge technologies, advanced robotics, and AI-driven innovations support Amazon’s employees and streamline customer services.
Amazon has officially opened the doors of its Operations Innovation Lab near Vercelli, in Piedmont, for free guided tours available to the public. Starting today, experts, enthusiasts, students, and the curious can experience firsthand some of the most advanced technologies, robotics solutions, and AI-driven innovations that are set to revolutionize the future of work in Amazon’s European logistics network.
A Hub for Technological Excellence
The Amazon Operations Innovation Lab is one of the most advanced centers for robotics innovation in Europe. This international hub brings together scientists and engineers from across the globe to design, test, and implement state-of-the-art technologies that improve both employee experiences and customer satisfaction. These advancements contribute to creating a safer working environment, foster career growth, and even reduce packaging waste.
At the heart of Amazon’s operational efficiency lies robotics and AI, enabling the company to scale its advancements globally, serving millions of customers.
Stefano La Rovere, Amazon’s International Robotics Director, expressed excitement about the tours:
“We are thrilled to officially launch free guided tours at our Amazon Operations Innovation Lab. This is an opportunity for the public to meet the people behind the packages and explore the cutting-edge technology that supports our employees and helps us meet customer needs. The Lab represents the core of our innovation in Europe, where a diverse, international team of engineers and scientists is working to create safer, more efficient ways of operating, while ensuring fast and reliable deliveries for customers. By opening our doors, we aim to inspire customers, schools, and start-ups to discover the potential of technology in shaping a better and safer future of work.”
Tour Highlights: What to Expect
The one-hour tour, suitable for all ages, offers a detailed look at how Amazon develops and tests technologies that enhance both employee and customer experiences across Europe. The visit is divided into three main sections:
- The Big Picture
Visitors are introduced to Amazon’s logistics and operational processes. A digital map demonstrates the journey from order click to delivery. - The Innovation Mindset
This section dives into Amazon’s approach to innovation and its continuous development. Guests will witness the evolution of key technologies, such as the Flat Sorter Robotic Induct, showcased at the Lab. - The Shop Floor
In this segment, visitors will see how cutting-edge innovations—driven by AI—are transforming work for employees. From item sorters to pallet movers and automated guided vehicles, these technologies simplify tasks and create a safer work environment, while ensuring sustainable deliveries.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
The tour is engaging and interactive, featuring videos and infographics that explain how technology improves work conditions by reducing repetitive tasks and the need for heavy lifting. These advancements allow Amazon employees to focus on more strategic activities, helping to innovate processes daily. Since launching these tours in Europe in 2015, thousands of visitors have explored Amazon’s logistics centers in over 14 locations across five European countries.
How Amazon is Shaping the Future of Work
Founded in 2017, the Amazon Operations Innovation Lab is the headquarters for Amazon’s global team specializing in mechatronics and sustainable packaging. By the end of 2024, this team will have deployed over 1,000 new technologies across Amazon’s European logistics network, part of a €700 million investment over the past five years. These innovations include pallet handling machinery, product sorting systems, and autonomous guided units, all designed to support employees and enhance operational efficiency. Robotics and AI are crucial to Amazon’s logistics network, helping ensure quick and reliable deliveries to millions of customers worldwide.
To book your visit, head to the official website here and choose your preferred time slot. Don’t miss the chance to witness the future of work and technology firsthand at Amazon’s Operations Innovation Lab in Vercelli.
