Stefano La Rovere, a top Amazon executive and director of global robotics, mechatronics, and sustainable packaging, has refuted claims that technology is taking away jobs. According to La Rovere, this notion is a myth, as advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and other technologies are not replacing manual jobs but instead enhancing people’s roles and creating new job categories.
La Rovere highlighted that the introduction of new technologies has helped Amazon enhance over 50,000 jobs across its fulfilment centers in Europe. Moreover, he stated that more than 700 new categories of jobs have been created by the use of technology in recent years. The company has invested over 700 million euros in installing over 1,000 new technologies across its European fulfilment center network over the last five years.
La Rovere emphasized that robots and technology assist Amazon employees by reducing walking distance between assignments, eliminating repetitive motions, and aiding in lifting heavy weights. This allows employees to learn new skills, acquire new competencies, and progress towards their career objectives. The belief that new technologies are replacing jobs has been a topic of discussion among various technology executives, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI chief.
