Amazon has announced the creation of a new research and development center called the Amazon AGI SF Lab in San Francisco. This lab will focus on advancing foundational technologies for artificial intelligence (AI) agents capable of performing complex tasks in both digital and physical environments.
David Luan, co-founder of the AI startup Adept, will lead the AGI SF Lab. The lab’s objective is to develop AI agents that can execute intricate workflows by interacting with computers, web browsers, and code interpreters. Pieter Abbeel, a robotics expert who joined Amazon through a deal with Covariant, will work closely with Luan and the lab.
In a joint statement, Luan and Abbeel highlighted the lab’s research priorities, which include enabling AI agents to take real-world actions, learn from human feedback, self-correct, and understand user goals. This work will complement Amazon’s broader artificial general intelligence (AGI) initiatives.
The lab will initially include team members from Adept, which Amazon partially acquired in June through a licensing agreement. Adept specializes in AI systems that perform software-based tasks using natural language commands. Its mission aligns with creating “AI teammates” that can interact with various software tools and APIs.
The lab also plans to hire additional researchers specializing in fields such as quantitative finance, physics, and mathematics to expand its expertise.
Amazon’s investment in AI agents mirrors similar moves by other tech companies. For example, Microsoft’s acquisition of AI startup Inflection earlier this year sparked regulatory scrutiny, as policymakers examine whether large tech companies are stifling competition in the AI space.
Interest in AI agents is growing rapidly. A report by Emergen Research estimates the sector’s value could reach $31 billion by the end of the year. Additionally, a Capgemini survey found that 82% of organizations plan to integrate AI agents within three years, attracted by the potential for increased efficiency.
Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are also developing AI agents with capabilities such as task automation and transactional decision-making. For instance, Google is reportedly working on AI systems that can book flights and hotels.
Although Amazon has previously explored AI agents, the AGI SF Lab signals a deeper commitment to the field. Recently, Amazon introduced conversational agents for its Bedrock AI platform and integrated similar technology into its Amazon Q Business assistant for enterprise users. CEO Andy Jassy has also suggested that Alexa will evolve into a more capable AI assistant capable of taking independent actions.
With the AGI SF Lab, Amazon aims to push the boundaries of AI agent technology, further cementing its role in the rapidly growing sector.
