Amazon is accelerating automation in logistics and warehousing — a shift that could redefine the future of work
The company aims to automate 75% of its operations, potentially cutting 160,000 jobs by 2027 and avoiding 600,000 new hires by 2033
Automation could save Amazon over $12 billion — but at the cost of deep workforce reductions and transformed labour structures
Its new warehouse in Louisiana runs with 25% fewer workers and nearly full robotic efficiency — a model set to expand to 40 more sites
The ripple effect is spreading. UPS and others are adopting similar models, threatening traditional mass employment in logistics
For countries like India, where unskilled labour dominates, automation could mean massive displacement without urgent upskilling