In a departure from the prevailing narrative surrounding automation and artificial intelligence (AI), a senior Amazon executive has refuted claims that technology precipitates job losses.
Stefano La Rovere, Director of Global Robotics, Mechatronics, and Sustainable Packaging at Amazon, challenged the notion during an interview with CNBC, asserting that advancements in technology have actually bolstered employment opportunities.
Contrary to widespread apprehensions, La Rovere contended, "It is a myth that technology and robots take out jobs." He highlighted Amazon's experience as evidence, citing the company's success in leveraging technology to create over 50,000 new jobs across its fulfillment centers in Europe.
Moreover, he emphasized that the integration of new technologies has facilitated the emergence of more than 700 job categories in recent years.
La Rovere said, that "Amazon has deployed over 1,000 new technologies across its European fulfillment center network over the past five years, amounting to an investment exceeding 700 million euros"
Addressing concerns about the impact of automation on Amazon's workforce, La Rovere elucidated how technology complements employees' tasks, rather than displacing them.
"Robots and technology help our employees by reducing walking distance between assignments, by taking repetitive motions, or helping those to lift heavy weights," he explained.
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