Amazon Hires Founders of AI Robotics Startup to Enhance Deliveries

Amazon has reached a commercial agreement with the founders and about 25% of the workforce from robotics startup Covariant. The e-commerce giant also acquired a non-exclusive license for Covariant’s robotic foundation models. This acquisition emphasizes Amazon’s commitment to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Amazon's Remarks on the New Addition

In a recent blog post, Amazon announced its collaboration with Covariant’s founders: Pieter Abbeel, Peter Chen, and Rocky Duan. The company stated, "Covariant is a Bay Area-based business that develops advanced AI models enabling robots to interpret, reason, and interact with their surroundings, thereby assisting various warehouse automation tasks. We appreciate Covariant's iterative, customer-centric approach to technology development, which addresses complex challenges in warehouse automation. Their thorough understanding of the end-to-end process is valuable."

As part of the agreement, Amazon will utilize Covariant’s robotic foundation models, aiming to revolutionize how its robotic systems learn. This will create new opportunities for improving automation safety and operational efficiency. Moreover, Amazon plans to expand its AI and robotics team in the Bay Area to attract top-tier talent and enhance automation advancements.

Future of Covariant

Covariant will continue to operate under the guidance of Ted Stinson and Tianhao Zhang. Stinson, the former COO, is transitioning to the CEO position. The startup affirmed its commitment "to delivering the Covariant Brain into production environments across a wide array of global industries, including apparel, health and beauty, grocery, and pharmaceuticals."

Amazon's Previous Acquisitions

Amazon's engagement with Covariant mirrors its approach with previous acquisitions such as Adept. By hiring key individuals and licensing crucial technology, Amazon secures innovative talent without proceeding with full-scale acquisitions. These methods help avoid potential antitrust investigations. This strategic maneuver, termed a "reverse acquihire" by The Verge, allows tech giants to augment their capabilities while navigating regulatory concerns.

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