Amazon installing automated boxing machine

Machines capable of building and sealing 600 to 700 boxes per hour are being rolled out in the US

Amazon is installing new machines at its warehouses capable of scanning, boxing and sealing goods automatically.

The new machines, known as the CartonWrap from Italian firm CMC Srl, pack much faster than humans. They crank out 600 to 700 boxes per hour, or four to five times the rate of a human packer, according to a Reuters report. The machines require one person to load customer orders, another to stock cardboard and glue and a technician to fix jams on occasion.

Amazon has considered installing two machines at dozens more warehouses, removing at least 24 roles at each one, these people said. These facilities typically employ more than 2,000 people.

“We are piloting this new technology with the goal of increasing safety, speeding up delivery times and adding efficiency across our network,” said Amazon in a statement. “We expect the efficiency savings will be re-invested in new services for customers, where new jobs will continue to be created.”

Amazon’s clear aim is to automate an increasing number of roles in the packing process. It also has begun to install a machine called “SmartPac,” which can work in conjunction with CartonWrap to mail items using patented envelopes.

Reportedly Amazon is installing the machines in strategic location including warehouses a short distance from their headquarters in Seattle as well as Frankfurt, Milan, Amsterdam, and Manchester.

According to CMC Walmart, JD.com Inc and Shutterfly Inc are also trialling the machines or have been using them for some time.

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