Amazon is rapidly expanding its use of robotics, and now has over a million robots operating in its warehouses – nearly matching the number of human workers. Around 75% of Amazon deliveries involve robotic assistance, which the company says improves safety and reduces repetitive tasks for employees. Amazon is also increasing automation efficiency with artificial intelligence, including a new robot, Vulcan, that has a sense of touch. Robots are now 10% faster thanks to AI trained on inventory data, although internal concern is growing over AI replacing white-collar roles. CEO Andy Jassy has warned that the corporate workforce is likely to shrink in coming years due to increased automation. “They’re one step closer to that realisation of the full integration of robotics,” said Rueben Scriven, research manager at Interact Analysis, a robotics consulting firm.
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