The day before our visit to Amazon’s BRS2 fulfilment center in Swindon, the company made headlines by announcing its plans for drone deliveries in the UK. They’re working on a planning application for drone flight operations at their distribution center. However, they still need approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before launching. As soon as they get the green light, Amazon will start hiring staff for the operation. Customers in the north-east can expect to order selected items through the Amazon app and receive them via drone soon.
Although there are currently no drones at the Swindon site, which opened in 2021, our tour revealed the impressive tech capabilities behind an operation that generated an 11% growth in UK retail revenue in 2023-24, hitting £27 billion.
### Inside BRS2
At the 500,000 square-foot BRS2 site at Symmetry Park, the atmosphere feels robotic right from the entrance. Equipment from Dutch company Vanderlande swiftly transports goods from trucks onto telescopic conveyors, moving items either upstairs to the robot-laden floors or to manual receive lines. Fulfilment centers like this one function as crucial links in the Amazon UK supply chain, processing and packing goods from a variety of sources for distribution to delivery centers across the country.
Workers on the receive lines unload items into black totes, which conveyors then carry to stow stations. Here, a computer system guides teams on where to place each item within storage pods. These pods hold inventory until orders come in, and they sit atop automated guided robots (AGRs) that efficiently navigate the site, ensuring streamlined picking.
Amazon’s AGRs, known as Hercules, can lift up to 1,200 pounds and are designed to move around the warehouse using specialized floor symbols. Safety is a top priority. Anyone entering the caged pod areas must wear a special electronic safety vest that halts the Hercules robots if they get too close. The use of forklifts is minimal due to safety risks, reflecting Amazon’s commitment to a safe work environment.
About 2,000 employees work at the Swindon center, and the general manager, David Tindal, emphasizes the partnership between humans and machines as the future of warehouse operations. With people in skilled roles, they focus on quality control to ensure customers get the correct products.
### Tech in Action
One of Tindal’s favorite innovations is the sorter, which directs parcels to their next destination efficiently. But he’s particularly excited about the new computer vision technology on the conveyor belts. This system instantly detects potential defects in products or packaging, allowing for early intervention before parcels leave the building. Swindon was one of the first UK centers to implement this technology, which works quietly but effectively behind the scenes.
Tindal shares how the system can catch issues like improperly sealed packages or labelling errors, preventing problems further down the line. With millions of parcels processed each week, this tech adds an extra layer of quality control that aligns with Amazon’s reputation for speedy service.
As we chatted in Tindal’s office, filled with screens displaying site performance, he encouraged managers to experiment with new AI tools. He believes they can elevate everyone to a higher level of efficiency.
### Continuous Improvement
Tindal refers to Amazon’s automation and AI advancements as game-changers for productivity. The company is always looking for ways to improve, often incorporating employee feedback into their systems. Tindal understands the balancing act of enforcing standards while promoting an environment where staff can propose improvements.
At the packing station, Amazon is conscious of reducing waste. They aim to use minimal packaging that matches product size. Packers receive guidance on using specific types of cardboard and get alerts for shipping without additional packaging, though they have the discretion to choose what’s best.
With drone deliveries on the horizon, Amazon Swindon’s operations illustrate the company’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology and automation in their fulfillment strategy.