Amazon’s robotics, AI push not eliminating jobs as tech giant continues automation wave

Entry-level jobs are still on the table at one of the world’s largest companies despite a huge AI and automation wave sweeping the multinational’s operations.

Amazon warehouses are still a viable job option for unskilled and entry-level workers, executives of the e-commerce giant say, despite massive robotics and AI investments.

Speaking to NewsWire in Japan this week, Amazon’s global head of PR for robotics and AI, Xavier Chao, compared AI robots and sorting machines to offices having a coffee machine and snacks close to the desks.

“Retention is very, vitally important for us if we want to continue to manage and sustain our business and grow; we have to retain our workforce,” Mr Chao said.

“And so we think that innovation is part of the solution of creating a nice workplace that attracts people, and retains staff.”

A worker in front of an item-by-item timer at their station inside Amazon's Chiba Minato warehouse in Tokyo. Picture: NewsWire / Blair Jackson

Australia has eight Amazon “fulfilment centre” warehouses; seven of these do not have Amazon’s robots. The custom designed and built robots operate using AI, moving stacks of products for humans to pick and put into boxes.

Australia’s robotised Amazon warehouse is at Kemps Creek in Sydney, and employs about 2500 workers.

With Australia’s comparatively low-tech Amazon facilities - compared to warehouses in comparable countries - retraining Australian workers to fix and maintain Amazon’s robots has stalled.

In June, Amazon announced it would be investing $20bn in data centres in Australia, reiterating concerns about the e-commerce company’s entrenchment in the Australian economy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Amazon Web Services chief executive Matt Garman in Seattle in June as AWS announced a $20bn investment into data centre infrastructure in Australia. Picture: NewsWire / PMO

Anthony Albanese faces internal pressure from high-ranking Labor MPs, The Australian reports, over accusations Amazon undermines labour laws and employs tax avoidance tactics.

These criticisms are echoed by unions - the ACTU, TWU and the SDA - who claim Amazon Australia’s workplace practices are unethical.

Asked if operating in countries with relatively strong workplace protections was tough for Amazon, Mr Chao said “Right now, what we’re really hyper-focused on is can these systems actually benefit our frontline workers, and getting feedback from them”.

He argues wide-scale automation is good for workers.

“If we can create the most innovative workplace that we possibly can, we want to try to do three things.

“Safety … Ease - all of us want to have an easier job.

“And then three, it’s exposure. So a lot of people who come and work at an Amazon facility, you know, there are people from all walks of life.”

*Amazon paid for NewsWire’s travel and accommodation in Japan