As the fifth largest employer in the world and the largest online retailer and cloud computing service, Amazon has long been at the forefront of technological innovation. But perhaps one of its most impressive feats is the way it harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to revolutionise its operations. 

When it comes to robotics, Amazon isn't just dipping its toes in the water - it's diving in head first. It boasts the world's largest fleet of industrial mobile robots with more than 750,000 drive units alone. These robots, far from being simple machines, are powered by sophisticated AI systems that enable them to navigate complex warehouse environments and work alongside human employees seamlessly. These mobile robots have turned traditional warehouse operations on their head. Instead of workers traversing long aisles to pick items, the robots bring entire shelves of inventory directly to the workers. 

One of the most intriguing aspects of Amazon's approach to robotics is its focus on human-robot collaboration. Rather than aiming for full automation, Amazon sees robots as tools to enhance human capabilities - it's also about creating better, safer jobs. Its latest robot, Proteus, takes things a step further. It can navigate through crowded spaces, much like a person at a cocktail party. It also has human-like features, eyes and visual indicators to help humans understand its intentions. 

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mehak Mittal, Software Development Engineer at Amazon Prime Video and a former Bucks Grammar School student, who delivered an insightful presentation to our Year 10 & 11 students. Mehak discussed alternative pathways to university, including degrees and higher apprenticeships, and shared her own inspiring journey at Amazon. Her talk highlighted the exciting opportunities available for young people to build successful careers through non-traditional routes, empowering our students to explore a variety of options for their futures.  

Let’s go back to where we started. Amazon is a genuinely extraordinary outfit. It has made huge amounts of money, yes, but also created enormous spillover benefits by enabling existing firms to switch their operations to the cloud, and by giving new firms access to near-infinite computing power for pennies rather than pounds. It also kept society running during Covid, providing the backbone not just for large chunks of the economy (including those Zoom calls we all suddenly needed to make) but many government services and providing us with endless entertainment!