Amazon is developing software for humanoid robots that could eventually take the jobs of delivery workers, according to The Information, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Reuters could not immediately confirm the report.
Amazon is completing construction of a "humanoid park," an indoor obstacle course at one of the company's San Francisco, California offices, where it will soon test such robots, the report added.
The company is developing the artificial intelligence software that would power such robots, the report said, adding that Amazon plans to use hardware from other firms in its tests, for now.
Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for a comment outside its regular business hours.
In a series of announcements on Wednesday, Amazon demonstrated how stockroom robots, delivery peopl, and its sprawling warehouses will all benefit from a hefty dose of AI, speeding packages to customer doorsteps.
Amazon employees fear for their jobs
Amazon is actively expanding its use of AI and robotics, raising concerns among workers about their job security.
As reported earlier by Wired, some workers feel dehumanized by increasing automation. This has led to attempts to create unions and protests, with people emphasizing that they’re not mere extensions of machines.
Amazon workers continue to advocate for transparency, fair labor practices, and a balanced integration of technology that doesn't compromise human employment.
Amazon is not the only company that experiences backlash from its workers for replacing them with AI tools or robots. Entry-level hiring in big tech has collapsed, dropping over 50% since 2022, largely due to the rise of AI. New grads now make up just 7% of hires at major companies like Google, down from 25% in 2023, as AI takes over many routine, junior-level tasks.
The fear of being replaced at work works both ways, with CEOs showing serious signs of worry as well. Cybernews has reported on a survey of over 500 CEOs, which found that most believe AI could outperform them in making business decisions and strategic planning.
Nearly all agreed that AI has already shaped key decisions, and many now see mastering AI as critical to staying in power.
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