- TECH LEADER CAUTIONS PUBLIC ABOUT UNSEEN JOB CRISIS ON THE HORIZON
Soon, Amazon's warehouses may employ more robots than human workers.
For years, the major retailer has steadily introduced automated systems to handle jobs previously performed by human workers.
Consequently, the company reports having over one million robots deployed across its workspaces based on internal figures.
This new record is approaching the number of human employees within its premises, and will shortly overtake them.
Amazon's enormous warehouses are now equipped with advanced picking robots capable of lifting and transporting parcels using their extended metal limbs.
Additional robots assist in placing items into containers and aid with categorizing goods.
A recently developed robot named Vulcan features an integrated tactile sensor system, enabling it to identify and differentiate various objects placed on store shelves. The Wall Street Journal reported.
In Amazon's most recent development, robots have been integrated into its order fulfillment network so they may collaborate both among themselves and alongside human workers to carry out tasks efficiently, as detailed in the report.
"They're getting nearer to fully integrating robotics into their operations," said robot analyst Rueben Scriven to the Journal.
Approximately 75 percent of Amazon's shipments now receive assistance from robots during part of their delivery process.
Amazon states that this has been a key contributor to their increased efficiency.
The retail giant noted that it also assists in addressing challenges like elevated employee attrition rates at its fulfillment centers.
It has additionally relieved existing employees of certain monotonous and unwieldy duties, like handling heavy loads.
"I expected to be handling strenuous tasks and moving around nonstop," said Amazon worker Neisha Cruz to the Journal.
For five years, Cruz worked selecting products at an Amazon fulfillment center in Windsor, Connecticut, before receiving training to manage the facility’s newly introduced robotic technology.
Cruz currently makes over twice as much as when she first began, and instead of being on her feet all day, she can do her job at a desk using a computer.
Yet, the use of robots is displacing workers and reducing job creation within the firm, which presently has 1.56 million employees—mainly working in warehouse facilities.
This follows recent comments from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who noted that the expanded use of artificial intelligence signifies The company plans to reduce the number of employees significantly. in the coming years.
"As we introduce additional Generative AI and agent technologies, they will inevitably transform how we approach our work," Jassy stated in a recent internal message to employees shared last month.
"It’s difficult to pinpoint precisely how this balances out over time, but within the coming years, we anticipate it will lead to a reduction in our overall corporate employee count," he said.
Amazon isn't the only one.
Last month Microsoft also announced plans to reduce tens of thousands of positions. As it increases its spending on artificial intelligence.
According to Bloomberg, the job reductions—targeting primarily positions in sales—are aimed at streamlining the company’s overall staff structure as part of wider efficiency measures.
According to the report, which cited individuals knowledgeable about the situation, the job cuts are anticipated to be revealed at the beginning of next month, after the completion of the technology company's financial year.
In June Procter & Gamble, known for producing products such as baby diapers, laundry soap, and various home goods, has also made an announcement regarding this matter. would cut 7,000 jobs or approximately 15% of positions outside the manufacturing sector.
American citizens are becoming more worried as time goes on regarding... how artificial intelligence affects employment opportunities .
Technology continues to disrupt the job market, particularly affecting entry-level positions in white-collar sectors which are vanishing most rapidly, as dismissals accelerate within the technology, financial services, and consultancy industries.
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