Amazon to Invest $100M in New Indiana Robot Plant

Recap

Source: 로봇신문, report of Oct. 5, 2026

According to the report, Amazon is investing more than $100 million in a new advanced manufacturing facility in Greenwood, Indiana. The site spans 585,000 square feet and is designed to produce products that power Amazon's logistics and robotics network across North America. The company claims this investment will create 300 skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs, with operations expected to begin by 2028.

The facility will integrate advanced assembly, robotic welding, and automated powder coating under one roof. These processes will be supported by AWS and AI-based smart manufacturing systems. Amazon cites the region's manufacturing workforce, cost structure, and logistics infrastructure as key reasons for selecting the Greenwood location. This move follows a new robot manufacturing investment announced in Texas in August.

The report also notes that Amazon has already manufactured over one million robots in the US, which are deployed in more than 300 facilities worldwide. The company states that these robots, working alongside employees, handle 75% of all customer orders delivered globally. Additionally, the article highlights Amazon's recent acquisition of RIVR, a four-wheeled delivery robot developer, and its plan to expand Prime Air drone delivery to nearly 500 US cities by the end of the year.

Context

Amazon has long been a major player in industrial robotics, operating one of the world's largest robot fleets in its fulfillment centers. The company previously discontinued its Scout delivery robot program in 2022, making the acquisition of RIVR a significant shift in its last-mile strategy. The new Indiana plant represents a continuation of Amazon's strategy to bring more manufacturing operations to the US, following investments in Massachusetts and Texas. This expansion aligns with broader trends in supply chain localization and the increasing automation of logistics networks.

Robot's take

The investment in Greenwood signals Amazon's commitment to scaling its in-house robot production, reducing reliance on external suppliers. The integration of AI and AWS into the manufacturing process suggests a focus on efficiency and data-driven production. However, the success of this facility will depend on its ability to compete with established industrial robot manufacturers and adapt to the evolving needs of Amazon's logistics network. The expansion of drone delivery and the acquisition of RIVR indicate a multi-pronged approach to last-mile delivery, but the practical challenges of scaling these technologies remain to be seen.