Amazon wants to invest in supply chain innovations. The e-commerce giant is making $1 billion (€920 million) available for a variety of technologies, from ERP systems to warehouse robots.
Manufacturers and developers can apply to the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund for investment. The size and maturity of the applicant company does not matter, as long as it develops a solution that reduces delivery times or optimises the work of logistics workers.
The first investments have already been made. US startup Modjoul is developing wearable devices against injuries and is receiving funding. The same goes for Mantis Robotics and BionicHIVE, developers of warehouse robots. The size of the investment will be determined by Amazon.
"We have the opportunity to look beyond Amazon and strengthen companies developing emerging technologies," said Alex Ceballos Encarnacion, Amazon's vice-president of corporate development. "We know there are parties that share our curiosity and enthusiasm. Whether they grow thanks to our investment, or partner with Amazon doesn't matter to us. We want to advance these technologies, especially as online shopping becomes increasingly important."
