Amazon's robotics hub near Boston is spearheading the future of warehouse automation with innovations like Proteus, an autonomous robot designed to work alongside humans. The $775 million acquisition of Kiva Systems in 2012 launched Amazon's robotics journey, now focused on reducing workplace injuries which are reportedly twice the industry average. VP of Global Robotics Joseph Quinlivan emphasizes safety priorities and notes that new machines can automate repetitive tasks ten times more effectively than previous generations. Amazon has invested over $1 billion in worker upskilling programs to address automation-related job transitions.