Amazon pulls the plug on Blue Jay warehouse robot

February 18, 2026 - 04:20

Amazon has officially discontinued its Blue Jay warehouse robot, a once-prominent piece of its automation fleet. The decision marks a significant pivot in the company's logistics strategy as it shifts focus toward a new system named Orbital.

The move is not a step back from automation but rather a consolidation and modernization effort. The Orbital system represents a next-generation, modular approach designed to work seamlessly within existing warehouse infrastructure. This new technology is engineered to accelerate the processing of inventory, directly supporting Amazon's ambitious expansion of its same-day delivery network. By streamlining the movement of goods from receiving docks to shipping stations, Orbital aims to drastically cut down fulfillment times.

The retirement of the Blue Jay robot underscores Amazon's continuous cycle of testing and iteration in its quest for logistics supremacy. While specific details on Orbital's deployment remain closely guarded, the transition signals a prioritization of flexible, integrated systems over standalone robotic units. This strategic evolution is expected to enhance operational efficiency and further cement the speed of delivery as a core customer promise.