As Amazon increases the number of robotic workers in its facilities, human employees are growing increasingly concerned about the security of their jobs. Over just two years, Amazon has added 400,000 robots to its operations, raising fears about potential job losses among its workforce.
Amazon’s Rapid Expansion of Robotic Workers
Amazon’s use of robots in its fulfillment centers and warehouses has been growing at a rapid pace. At the beginning of 2021, the company had around 350,000 robots, but by June 2023, this number had more than doubled to over 750,000. However, the concern among human employees is not only the sheer number of robots but also the increasing presence of humanoid robots.
Last year, Amazon announced that it had begun using Agility Robotics’ 143-kilogram humanoid robot named Digit in its warehouses. Digit is capable of performing nearly all tasks that a human can do, and it does so without needing breaks. In addition to Digit, Amazon has also been deploying more industrial robots, such as Sequoia, Sparrow, and Proteus, in its facilities.
Amazon’s Perspective on Robots in the Workforce
According to Amazon, these robots are designed to take on monotonous, repetitive, and potentially dangerous tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex and creative roles. The company’s global director of robotics, mechatronics, and sustainable packaging, Stefano La Rovere, claims that these advanced systems are not about replacing jobs but creating new opportunities. He stated that the use of this technology has already created 700 new job categories within the company.
Employee Concerns and Layoffs
Despite Amazon’s assurances, employees are worried about the rapid growth of robots in the workplace. This year, like many other tech companies, Amazon carried out significant layoffs. CEO Andy Jassy mentioned that the company will continue to cut costs, emphasizing that this would not only involve robots but also artificial intelligence (AI). Jassy insists that AI, like robots, is not intended to replace people but to assist in streamlining operations.
However, with the increasing reliance on robotics and AI, Amazon workers are understandably anxious about their future job security. The company’s stance that robots are here to complement, not replace, human workers does little to quell the uncertainty among its employees. As technology continues to advance, the impact on the workforce remains a pressing concern for those whose jobs might be at risk.
