Amazon investeert 10 miljard in Europa met nieuwe AI-robots en 25.000 banen
Europa, donderdag, 4 juni 2026.
Amazon zet 10 miljard euro in op Europa. Dat geld gaat naar modernisering van het logistieke netwerk. Er komen 25.000 nieuwe banen. De grootste verandering is de introductie van geavanceerde robots. De nieuwe Proteus-robot begrijpt gesproken instructies. Werkmonteurs hoeven geen technische commando’s meer te geven. De robot bepaalt zelf de route en prioriteit. Ook het STARK-systeem en Vulcan, de robot met tactiel gevoel, worden uitgerold. Dit stelt Amazon in staat om sneller te bezorgen. In 2027 komt de nieuwe Proteus-robot naar Europa. Daarnaast breidt Amazon Now zich uit naar steden als Manchester en Birmingham. De investering markeert een grote stap in automatisering en efficiëntie binnen de Europese logistieksector.
Amazon’s 10 billion euro investment in europe
Amazon is investing over €10 billion to expand and modernize its logistics network across Europe [1]. This investment includes building thousands of new warehouses and distribution centers in several countries, including the Netherlands [1]. The project aims to significantly improve delivery speed and efficiency throughout the region. Part of the funding will support automation upgrades using advanced robotics systems currently being tested [1]. The company positions this as one of its largest commitments to European infrastructure development.
Creation of 25,000 new logistics jobs
As part of its European expansion, Amazon plans to create at least 25,000 new jobs within its fulfillment network [1]. These roles will span various functions in warehousing, delivery, and logistics operations across multiple countries [1]. While introducing greater automation, the company emphasizes that these technological upgrades will coexist with substantial workforce growth [1]. The new positions are expected to enhance both operational capacity and customer service levels throughout the continent [1].
Next-generation proteus robot with ai
Amazon revealed a new version of its Proteus robot capable of understanding spoken instructions from workers [4]. Unlike earlier models confined to loading docks, this AI-driven mobile robot navigates entire warehouse floors autonomously [4]. During demonstrations in Dartford, near London, the robot responded to natural language commands without needing technical programming [1]. According to Scott Dresser, Vice President of Amazon Robotics, “It figures out the priority, the route, the timing” independently [4]. Deployment in Europe begins in early 2027 [4].
Rollout of stark and vulcan robotic systems
Alongside Proteus, Amazon is deploying its STARK robotic system for handling storage totes across European sites [4]. Initially trialed in Barcelona, STARK will launch at 15 locations by 2027 [4]. The company also expands use of Vulcan, recognized as its first robot equipped with tactile sensing capability [4]. Vulcan identifies and manages items in tightly packed spaces where visual scanning fails [4]. Together, these systems aim to reduce physical strain on employees while improving inventory accuracy and processing speeds in fulfillment centers [4].
Accelerating same-day grocery deliveries
Amazon plans to open more than 25 sub-same-day delivery hubs across Europe in 2026 [4]. These local facilities enable faster dispatch of essential goods, particularly fresh groceries [4]. The ultra-fast Amazon Now service will extend to cities like Manchester and Birmingham this year [4]. Currently, same-day grocery delivery operates in over 2,300 U.S. cities and parts of Tokyo, serving as a model for European expansion [4]. This acceleration responds to growing consumer demand for immediacy in urban markets [4].
Broader implications for european logistics
The €10 billion investment strengthens Amazon’s position as a major logistics player in Europe [1]. With the Netherlands already functioning as a key regional hub, national infrastructure may experience significant pressure and opportunity [1]. Increased automation could reshape labor requirements despite overall job growth [4]. European policymakers view such large-scale digital infrastructure investments favorably amid efforts to strengthen regional competitiveness against U.S. tech giants [2]. Long-term success depends on balancing innovation with workforce integration and regulatory compliance [1].