Amazon Cuts Jobs in Robotics Division Amid Warehouse Automation Restructuring

Amazon has laid off employees in its robotics division as part of a restructuring of its warehouse automation strategy, affecting at least 100 white-collar roles, according to reports. The cuts come as the company reviews ongoing projects within its robotics operations and seeks to streamline teams.

The affected unit designs robots used in Amazon’s fulfilment centres, where automated machines transport shelves, sort packages and help accelerate delivery operations across the company’s logistics network.

In a message to employees accessed by Business Insider, Amazon Robotics Vice President Scott Dresser described the decision as “difficult but necessary.” He emphasised that robotics remains a “strategic priority” for the company even as it restructures certain initiatives.

Amazon said impacted employees will receive severance packages, continued health coverage and support in finding new roles within or outside the company.

The layoffs follow Amazon’s earlier decision to halt development of the Blue Jay robotic system, a project designed to use multiple robotic arms to pick and move items in compact warehouse spaces.

Despite the changes, Amazon continues to expand automation across its logistics network and has deployed more than one million robots in its fulfilment centres worldwide.

The move is part of a broader cost-cutting drive. Since late 2022, Amazon has eliminated over 57,000 corporate roles as it works to simplify management structures and improve efficiency across business units.