The world’s leading tech monopoly just got even more cutting-edge thanks to a brand new innovation. To nobody’s surprise, we’re talking about the sometimes scarily advanced Amazon, who are kicking things off in 2019 with an impressive venture in robotic package delivery. Earlier this week, the Jeff Bezos-owned conglomerate introduced its latest creation: a cutesy precursor to Skynet called, Scout.
The small, self-driving android will be deployed in a limited test run throughout Snohomish County, Washington, before Amazon deems it ready for the rest of the world. While developers iron out the kinks, a human employee will walk alongside the bot to make sure it stays on-course… and doesn’t become sentient and all that jazz.
In an official statement released to media, Amazon stays optimistic yet realistic about the immediate impact of this shiny new tool. “The devices will autonomously follow their delivery route but will initially be accompanied by an Amazon employee. We developed Amazon Scout at our research and development lab in Seattle, ensuring the devices can safely and efficiently navigate around pets, pedestrians and anything else in their path.”
As of now, there are only six Scouts out in the open, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see more and more of the machines rolling along once the tech has been perfected. You can check out a demo video below courtesy of Amazon’s YouTube channel.
