>>26357 Amazon does have racks like Bol; other end of the warehouse or just not installed yet. The chaotic storage uses every inch of space on a shelf. No open areas either to the sides or top of an item. Even though a pair of boots might sit in between a radiator and a book, Amazon uses the 'space method' and has it catalogued so it can be found easily. Programmed robots might work (someday) but the human hand is faster.

Amazon vs Bol.com (Dutch variant) warehouses
Amazon uses the term 'Chaotic Storage' where as Bol.com uses the principal from Ikea.

A better system would be to build racks (like Bol.com already has), automate the storage, retrieval, packaging and labeling system.

Their warehouses are rather large, aren't they; and the CEO plans on building a lot more to service more customers.
I would divide up the work crews to gather items in certain sections (save on walking) and have packaging at both ends.

>>26348 Not sure I want to be in a hospital that buys medical products from Amazon! XD

>>26346 I found this whole story rather odd. I agree the the deadlines do seem extreme, but who gives a shit if they have to do a lot of walking, most people spend all day on their feet at work!?!

I think it will be used infrequently for home delivery and more for medical products to hospitals and such.

Amazon just got some negative press over here because of an under cover investigation into working conditions. This nonsense has taken attention away, very handy........
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25034598

How will it know the route and collision detection; GPS, camera's, radar, or a combo of the 3? Are they gonna build warehouses every 10 miles? How many of those buzzers will fly, lets say per minute per warehouse? What about theft prevention? What about lets-see-what's-in-this-box-today gun nuts?

>>26339 You and I both, my man. The CEO is pretty darn smart and all the problems you and I can think of, I'm certain he has also. It won't be used for everything (size and weight) and only within 10 miles of a warehouse. They showed one in operation to a front door (no trees or power lines in the way). It came, dropped it's goods and returned.

I can think of so many problems with this system. Simply doesn't seem realistic in the real world.

I was watching a 15 min. segment on "60 Minutes" and the CEO of Amazon hopes to brag "If it's made, we'll have it". This new delivery system (little programmed 'copter) was a serious thought in his future. Interesting.

Great idea :D