Amazon Deploys 1M Robots, Nears Human Headcount As Automation Transforms Warehouse Jobs

Amazon is nearing a milestone where its number of warehouse robots matches its human workforce, now surpassing 1 million machines deployed, according to The Wall Street Journal. The rapid automation has accelerated order processing, cut labor demands, and transformed warehouse jobs from manual labor to tech-focused roles. Nearly 75% of global deliveries now involve robotics, and newer fulfillment centers ship products 25% faster with fewer workers. Amazon is training over 700,000 employees for higher-skilled roles in robotics and mechatronics, but hiring has slowed, and average warehouse staffing is at a 16-year low. Amazon is introducing artificial intelligence in its warehouses to optimize operations and plans to reduce its overall workforce in the coming years. As the second-largest U.S. private employer, Amazon’s widespread use of robotics highlights the accelerating impact of automation on industries and labor markets nationwide.