A senior executive at Amazon challenged the notion that robots and emerging technologies lead to job displacement, asserting instead that they enhance and transform employment opportunities.
Stefano La Rovere, Director of Global Robotics, Mechatronics, and Sustainable Packaging at Amazon, emphasized that advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and similar innovations play a pivotal role in augmenting human labor rather than supplanting it. He highlighted the creation of entirely new job categories facilitated by these technologies.
During an interview with CNBC’s “Street Signs Europe” on Thursday, La Rovere debunked the belief that automation leads to job losses, underscoring Amazon’s experience where the introduction of new technologies has resulted in the enhancement of over 50,000 jobs across its fulfillment centers in Europe.
The executive outlined how technology implementation, including more than 1,000 new innovations deployed across Amazon’s European fulfillment network over the past five years, has contributed to improving working conditions for employees. He explained that robots and technological advancements aid employees by reducing physical strain, minimizing repetitive tasks, and optimizing workflow efficiency.
Moreover, La Rovere emphasized the opportunity for employees to acquire new skills and competencies as a result of working alongside advanced technologies. He highlighted Amazon’s commitment to fostering career development and progression among its workforce through continuous learning and upskilling initiatives.
Highlighting the transformative impact of technology, La Rovere noted that the utilization of automation has led to the creation of over 700 new job categories in recent years. He cited the example of Amazon’s robotics and AI division, which focuses on implementing automation solutions across the company’s extensive fulfillment network, thereby improving operational efficiency and customer service.
Overall, La Rovere’s remarks underscore Amazon’s stance on the symbiotic relationship between technology and human labor, emphasizing the potential for innovation to empower employees and drive business growth.
