Amazon robotics centre set to open in Kemps Creek, western Sydney
Amazon bosses have given a sneak peak into the workplace of the future as they get their robots up to speed at the largest warehouse ever built in Australia. Take a look inside.
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It may look and sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but this in fact Sydney’s latest – and biggest – warehouse.
The gigantic robot-led Amazon Fulfilment Centre in Kemps Creek gives a fascinating insight into the workplace of the future.
At more than 200,000 square metres across four levels – the equivalent of the size of Taronga Zoo or 24 footy fields – it is Australia’s biggest warehouse.
And it will be up and running in early 2022.
Already Amazon staff are testing out the robots and making sure everything is up to speed.
The facility will be able to house more than 20 million items across 37,000 yellow storage pods.
Upon opening robots will work collaboratively with employees by moving the pods of goods to humans which will reduce the time and effort required for an employee to pack items for sale or to pick them for new customer orders.
Amazon bosses have system also saves space, allowing for 50% more items to be stored per square metre which in turn allows for a wider range of products being housed.
Amazon Australia’s Director of Operations, Craig Fuller said the opening will create jobs for western Sydney.
“The opening of this site will double our operational footprint in Australia while creating more than 1,500 local jobs in western Sydney, with the opportunity to work alongside advanced robotics to deliver the ultimate in service for customers.
“The introduction of robotics enables us to exponentially increase our capacity for storing inventory, providing additional opportunities for the thousands of small and medium sized Australian businesses we support, while increasing product selection and improving delivery speed for our customers around the country.
“We’re pleased to offer quality employment opportunities for people in western Sydney in a safe and positive work environment, at a time when they are needed most.
“Along with specialised positions in areas like robotics, we have a range of roles that don’t require formal qualifications and provide an opportunity to work alongside advanced technology and build a career at Amazon.”
Amazon.com.au launched in Australia in December 2017 and now offers customers 125 million products.
More than 4,000 people have worked on the construction and fit out of the site which included installation of around 14 kilometres of advanced conveyancing equipment and 2.5 kilometres of Amazon Robotics safety fencing.
The building is made up of 13,500 tonnes of Australian steel – 3,000 more tonnes than was used for Sydney Olympic Park Stadium.
More than 200,000 nuts and bolts were used for installation of the structural steel frame.
Amazon has said the location was chosen as it is less than 12 hours drive to more than half the Australian population, therefore supporting fast delivery to customers.
To find out about jobs at the site click here.
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