Amazon Confirmed Layoffs in Robotics Unit Amid Ongoing Staff Cuts Amazon confirmed on Tuesday that it has laid off staff across its robotics unit, affecting at least 100 white-collar positions, according to two sources familiar with the matter. This follows a January job cut of approximately 16,000 roles, with the company indicating further layoffs were expected. The robotics division, responsible for designing automation systems including robots and conveyances for warehouses, was impacted by the latest cuts. Amazon stated in a statement that it regularly reviews its organizational structure to ensure teams are optimized for innovation and customer service, though it did not specify the exact number of layoffs. Business Insider had previously reported the robotics cuts. The company has been trimming its workforce significantly, starting with a round of around 14,000 white-collar employees in October. This led to a total of 30,000 corporate staff reductions, tied to efficiency gains from artificial intelligence and changes in company culture. These layoffs represent nearly 10% of Amazon's white-collar workforce, although the majority of its 1.5 million employees are hourly workers, particularly in fulfillment centers. The latest job cuts come after Amazon paused development of the Blue Jay robotic arm in January. The Blue Jay project, demonstrated in October, featured multiple robotic arms capable of handling multiple items simultaneously, designed to assist workers in confined spaces. In addition to the broader cuts in October and January, Amazon has also reduced a smaller number of positions in its devices and services, books, podcasts, and public relations units over the past year. These adjustments reflect the company's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and adapt to evolving market conditions.#amazon #blue_jay #robotics_unit #business_insider #amazon_robots
