Amazon has introduced its next-generation warehouse robot, Proteus, which can respond to workers using conversational, natural language to move and transport goods.

The autonomous robot is already in use in some U.S. facilities and will expand to Europe in the coming years as part of Amazon’s broader investment in automation and AI.

The company says the technology will improve efficiency and create new kinds of jobs, even as it continues to cut corporate roles tied to AI-driven restructuring.

However, critics and some analysts argue that increased automation could ultimately reduce the need for human workers despite company claims, CNBC has reported.

The launch reflects a wider trend across major tech firms investing heavily in robotics and AI while reshaping their workforces.