Amazon Job Automation Could Affect 600,000 U.S. Workers
Leaked internal documents reveal that the e-commerce giant is pursuing an aggressive Amazon job automation strategy that could significantly reshape its U.S. workforce. Reports indicate the company’s plans for expanded robotics aim to avoid hiring more than 600,000 human workers by 2033. This ambitious goal is tied to automating 75% of fulfillment operations while simultaneously doubling product sales.
The strategy, detailed in internal documents obtained by The New York Times, highlights a primary motivation: cost-cutting. Company estimates show that automation could save approximately 30 cents on every item picked, packed, and delivered. In the short term, the company’s robotics team forecasts that it can eliminate the need to hire 160,000 new U.S. employees by 2027.
To manage the likely public and employee reaction to such mass automation, executives reportedly discussed avoiding direct terms. The company encourages the use of phrases like “advanced technology” or “cobots” instead of “robot” or “automation.” Critics warn that the move could turn one of the nation’s largest employers into a net job destroyer.
Amazon has pushed back firmly on the report, stating the leaked documents are incomplete and misleading regarding their overall hiring strategy. However, the clear push toward widespread Amazon job automation is expected to set a powerful precedent, influencing other major retailers to accelerate their own robotics integration across the industry.
