Amazon’s new Sydney warehouse will double the online retailer’s operational footprint in Australia and will rely on Robotic Drive Units to boost productivity.

The robots do much of the heavy lifting, picking up mobile shelves and bringing them to employees, who check and pack the items before they are sent on their way, according to an article in the Engineers Australia journal, Create.

The robots used in the Australian warehouse are the same as those used in warehouses in North America, Europe and Japan.

The company is looking to increase the role of robots in warehousing, researching and developing new technology to improve collaboration and workflow.

Construction of the 200,000 sqm fulfilment centre began in June last year at Kemps Creek in Sydney’s west and operations are due to begin by early 2022.