Amazon is testing six-foot-tall warehouse robots to “free up” their human workers and cut costs as the company moves further towards complete automation of its workforce.
The robot, developed by Agility Robotics, a startup based in Corvallis, Oregon, won’t take days off, sick pay, or argue with their boss.
The robots can carry up to 35lb, walk in multiple directions, and even crouch.
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That’s creepy. But, I guess they don’t take bathroom breaks, never get sick, don’t need health insurance, and don’t take vacations.
— GettingBy2023 (@1984IN2023) October 20, 2023
Chief technologist at Amazon Robotics Tye Brady said that while the robots will replace human workers, they will also create new ones.
Brady said the robots would “eliminate all the menial, the mundane and the repetitive” tasks, claiming it “does not” mean Amazon will require fewer staff.
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Human workers at risk as Amazon tests new robot Digit
— Audrey (@Mrs__Prudence) October 20, 2023
Amazon is experimenting with Digit, a robot that can walk and lift items, at its warehouses. Some worry that this will lead to automation replacing human jobs. Digit’s first task is to transport empty bins on the floor.… pic.twitter.com/RB2Aa3hr2r
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Amazon has started using humanoid robots in its warehouses. To the singularity and beyond 🚀 pic.twitter.com/DAqP15AENc
— Tsarathustra (@tsarnick) October 19, 2023
The US Sun reported:
There are growing fears about the loss of human jobs due to the rising use of artificial intelligence and robots.
Telecoms group BT announced earlier this year more than 10,000 jobs would be axed as a result of it replacing roles with AI.
At a presentation in Seattle, Mr Brady insisted that Amazon was focused on “collaborative machines” that work with people rather than replacing jobs.
“We want robotics to blend into the background,” he said.
“You don’t think about the dishwasher in your kitchen, it’s just there cleaning the dishes while you get on with other stuff.
“It’s still a clever robot. A machine can do the dishes, I’m not running out of things to do.”
He added that Amazon’s increase use of robots “allow me to do more of the things that matter to our customers”.
“The bottom line for me is more robots, more jobs.”
If you believe Amazon won’t be getting rid of its human staff, here are some videos that might change your mind.
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I hope this dystopian hellscape Amazon drone blimp will have music so it is like when the ice cream truck comes down the street pic.twitter.com/ph13xEid5u
— Anthony Dever (@anthonydever) April 3, 2019
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This Amazon delivery blimp looks like something out of science fiction.
— GiGadgets (@gigadgets_) January 1, 2023
Japanese artist Zozi009 created the video as an April Fool's prank. It went viral right after it went out. #gigadget #aprilfools #cgi #amazon #drone #delivery pic.twitter.com/9HTWpceen4
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Amazon says its prescription drug delivery drone can drop off hundreds of medications to select customers in 60 minutes or less. https://t.co/rLIKQRn3KL pic.twitter.com/WRV8rWytKY
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) October 19, 2023
READ: BIG TECH BLOOD BATH: Amazon Slashes over 18,000 Jobs, Largest Cut for Any Tech Company
