Amazon announced the deployment of its millionth robot worker and reported that its entire "fleet" will be managed by new generative AI, according to CNBC.
Amazon's statement came against the backdrop of mass layoffs in the tech sector and warnings of further automation.
"The threshold of a million robots operating at more than 300 of our sites around the world cements Amazon's position as the world's largest producer and operator of mobile robotics," said Amazon Robotics Vice President Scott Dresser.
According to him, the new AI model DeepFleet will coordinate the movements of robots within fulfillment centers, reducing their travel time by 10% and speeding up package delivery at lower costs.
Amazon began implementing robots in its warehouses back in 2012 to move shelves of goods around the shop floor. Today, they can lift loads of up to 570 kg and navigate production areas autonomously with order carts.
While such advancements in AI robotics promise increased productivity, they raise concerns about the risk of mass layoffs. A Pew Research study published in March showed that both AI experts and the general public consider factory workers one of the groups at the highest risk of job loss due to automation.
After the announcement of the millionth robot, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated that the mass rollout of generative AI would lead to "reducing staff in positions that the technology begins to automate."
He stated that while AI will reduce some positions due to automation, the company will continue to expand its hiring in AI, robotics, and other divisions. However, in a June memo, he acknowledged that he expects workforce reductions in the coming years due to technological advancements.
Previously, Amazon cut more than 27,000 employees in 2022 and 2023 and continues targeted layoffs in specific business units. A report from the World Economic Forum in February showed that 48% of employers in the U.S. plan to reduce their workforce due to AI.
#NFPWatch #BTCReclaims110K #TrumpVsMusk #REX-OSPREYSolanaETF #OneBigBeautifulBill
