Robots may replace 600,000 humans at Amazon by 2033, report claims

Amazon plans to significantly expand automation in its warehouses, aiming to automate up to 75% of its operations by 2033. According to a New York Times report based on internal documents, this push could result in the replacement of as many as 600,000 human jobs with robots. While the report does not confirm widespread layoffs, increased use of robots would allow Amazon to meet growing demand without proportionally increasing its human workforce. Currently, Amazon employs about 1.5 million people, primarily in warehouses and delivery roles, making it the third-largest employer in the U.S. The company has already seen substantial labor reductions in automated facilities, such as its Shreveport, Louisiana warehouse, where robots have cut the workforce by 25% and are expected to reduce it by half by 2026. Amazon is also rebranding its automation efforts by using terms like “advanced technology” and “cobots” to frame robots as collaborators rather than replacements, aiming to soften public perception. The company