Amazon to close warehouse robotics company Canvas it acquired for over $100 million

Amazon is reportedly scaling back some robotics projects to cut costs, and warehouse robotics startup Canvas, which it acquired for more than $100 million in 2019, is being shuttered.

Amazon announced the decision internally yesterday, and since Canvas only has more than 100 employees, employees can choose to move to another team within Amazon or leave with compensation, the people said.

It is reported that the main advantage of Canvas is the autonomous driving and related technology used in the warehouse. After Amazon acquired Canvas in 2019, Amazon tested Canvas carts in warehouses, but mostly used its software technology to automatically move semi-heavy items like TVs, kayaks and bed frames.

Relevant media said the move is part of Amazon's robotics business restructuring plan. It is worth noting that last week, Amazon also suspended its home delivery robot Scout project launched in 2019.