Amazon Plans to Replace 600K Jobs with Robots by 2033

UPDATE: Amazon is set to revolutionize its workforce, projecting that robots will replace over 600,000 U.S. jobs by 2033, according to a stunning report from The New York Times. The e-commerce giant’s automation team estimates that by 2027, it will avoid hiring more than 160,000 workers thanks to advanced robotics, with an anticipated savings of 30 cents on every item handled.

In a bold move, Amazon aims to automate a staggering 75% of its operations, which could significantly alter the landscape of employment within the company. Internal documents reveal that Amazon is already laying the groundwork to manage public relations concerns surrounding this shift, considering a rebranding of its automation efforts to present a more favorable image as a “good corporate citizen.”

The leaked strategies suggest that instead of using terms like “automation” and “AI,” Amazon plans to adopt softer language such as “advanced technology” in its communications. These insights raise critical questions about the future of work and the human impact of such sweeping changes.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel responded to the report, stating that the leaked documents offer an “incomplete” and “misleading picture” of the company’s hiring strategy. She emphasized that Amazon has created more jobs in the U.S. over the past decade than any other company and noted plans to fill 250,000 positions for the upcoming holiday season.

However, Nantel also acknowledged the company’s commitment to automation, highlighting that Amazon deployed its 1 millionth robot across its facilities in June—a milestone that took over a decade to achieve. CEO Andy Jassy has indicated that AI innovations will likely reduce the overall workforce in pursuit of greater efficiency.

The news has drawn sharp criticism from figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, who expressed alarm over the implications of such automation. On social media platform X, Sanders warned, “Big Tech oligarchs are coming for your job,” reinforcing fears that AI could lead to widespread job losses. His earlier report suggested that nearly 100 million U.S. jobs could be at risk due to automation and AI advancements over the next decade.

Despite these concerns, some research indicates that the much-feared job apocalypse may not be as imminent as anticipated. A recent study from the Yale University Budget Lab and the Brookings Institution concluded that generative AI has not yet significantly disrupted employment trends since the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022.

As Amazon continues to push the boundaries of automation, the ramifications for the workforce and the economy could be profound. With public sentiment potentially shifting, the company’s next moves will be critical to watch in the coming months.

Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story develops.