Amazon has cut jobs in its robotics division as part of a restructuring of its warehouse automation strategy. The layoffs affect employees in the unit that designs robots used in Amazon fulfilment centres.
At least 100 white-collar roles were affected, according to reports. The cuts follow earlier workforce reductions and come as Amazon reviews projects within its robotics operations.
Regardless, the giant has said affected workers will receive severance pay, continued health coverage and support in finding new roles.
The robotics division develops automation systems that move goods inside Amazon warehouses. These machines help transport shelves, sort packages and speed up delivery operations across the company’s logistics network.
According to a message accessed by Business Insider, Amazon Robotics VP Scott Dresser described the changes as “difficult but necessary.” He stressed that robotics remains a “strategic priority” even as the company restructures and pares back certain efforts.
The company added that it regularly reviews its organisational structure to support innovation and make sure teams are best set up to innovate and deliver for customers.
The job cuts follow Amazon’s decision earlier this year to halt development of the Blue Jay robotic system. The project used multiple robotic arms to pick and move items in compact warehouse spaces.
The company is now focusing on other warehouse automation technologies as it adjusts its robotics roadmap. Amazon has deployed more than one million robots across its fulfilment network to support logistics operations.
The robotics layoffs come during a wider effort to reduce corporate headcount. Since late 2022, Amazon has eliminated more than 57,000 corporate roles as it seeks to simplify management structures and improve efficiency.
Earlier rounds of layoffs affected thousands of corporate employees in October and January. The company has also cut fewer roles in devices, services, and other business units over the past year.
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