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Amazon has announced the acquisition of a non-exclusive license from robotics startup Covariant and has absorbed approximately a quarter of its workforce, aiming to accelerate innovation in the automation field and enhance the safety and adaptability of robots. The founding team of Covariant will join Amazon's AI and robotics team, marking a further enhancement of Amazon's automation capabilities on top of the 750,000 robots already deployed in its logistics centers. Covariant will continue to support its existing customers and develop warehousing automation technology.

Amazon has announced the hiring of the core team from robotics startup Covariant, comprising about a quarter of its staff, and has signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement to use Covariant's robotic foundation models. This move represents Amazon's strategic positioning in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, aiming to advance foundational research in AI and robotics technology and apply it to Amazon's existing robotic systems, providing greater practical value to customers. Through a 'reverse acquisition' strategy, Amazon gains new technologies while avoiding a direct acquisition of the startup.