❓WHAT HAPPENED: Amazon is reportedly planning to automate much of its operations, potentially avoiding the need to hire over 600,000 U.S. workers by 2033.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Amazon, its robotics team, and American workers.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The automation plans aim for significant implementation by 2027, with full goals set for 2033, across Amazon’s U.S. operations.
🎯IMPACT: If successful, Amazon could save billions of dollars but may face backlash over job losses and its role as a major U.S. employer.
Amazon is reportedly looking to automate a significant portion of its operations, which could allow the company to avoid hiring over 600,000 U.S. workers by 2033. The leaked internal documents reveal that Amazon aims to automate 75 percent of its operations, potentially saving $12.6 billion between 2025 and 2027.
The company’s robotics team is reportedly working to replace 160,000 U.S. roles by 2027, saving approximately 30 cents on every item warehoused and delivered. The documents also indicate that Amazon expects to double its product sales over the same period.
In anticipation of backlash, Amazon has reportedly explored ways to soften its public image, including participation in community projects and avoiding the use of terms like “automation” or “AI.” Instead, the company has considered using phrases such as “advanced technology” and “cobot” to describe its robots working alongside humans.
Amazon responded publicly to the leak, claiming the documents were incomplete and do not fully represent its hiring strategy. The company also denied instructing executives to avoid certain terminology when discussing robotics.
Notably, the documents detailing the automation plan appear to be based on projections that Amazon will continue to see significant growth in its consumer base. However, The National Pulse reported in April that UPS announced plans to reduce its workforce by 20,000 jobs this year as part of a cost-reduction strategy related to decreased deliveries from Amazon.
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