The layoffs were described as “difficult but necessary” in a message to employees by Amazon Robotics VP Scott Dresser.
The exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, though the company said only a relatively small number of roles were impacted.
The move comes as CEO Andy Jassy continues efforts to streamline the organisation and reduce management layers.
Amazon has reportedly announced another round of job cuts and this time within its robotics. According to the report citing the message sent to employees earlier this week by Amazon Robotics Vice President Scott Dresser, the decision to cut jobs was described as difficult but necessary. In the message, Dresser noted that certain positions are being eliminated, robotics remains an important area for the company and will continue to get the investment.
The exact number of employees affected by the latest move has not been disclosed. According to Business Insider, an Amazon spokesperson stated that only a relatively small number of roles within the robotics team were impacted. The company also stated that it regularly evaluates its organizational structure to ensure teams.
The company added that it regularly evaluates its organisational structure to ensure teams are positioned to innovate and serve customers effectively. Amazon said employees who have lost their jobs will get support that includes severance pay, continued health benefits and assistance with finding new roles.
This comes as the tech giant continues to reduce the workforce following a period of rapid hiring during the pandemic. Since late 2022, Amazon has fired over 57,000 corporate employees through multiple rounds of layoffs, including reductions in October and January.
At the same time, the company has been working on different initiatives that failed to meet expectations. Recently, the company has shut down its Fresh and Go grocery chains after years of experimentation in the retail segment.
In the robotics department, the company has stepped away from some newer projects. Many reports suggest Amazon has pulled back from the Blue Jay warehouse robot initiative, which was introduced only months ago, while shifting focus toward a different robotics system designed to improve warehouse efficiency.
Despite the job cuts, Amazon continues to rely heavily on automation across its logistics network. Thousands of robots are currently deployed in fulfilment centres to help move inventory and speed up order processing.
On the other hand, CEO Andy Jassy has been working on the company’s structure and reducing management layers to make Amazon operate more like what he describes as the “world’s largest startup.”
