Role of robots in expanding the humanoid workforce: One example of Amazon, a company that has increased its workforce by automating its warehouse operations

Last week, Musk unveiled two prototypes of his humanoid robot, but they did not look like they could keep up with each other. The company’s most advanced robot—made with all Tesla components and close to production-ready, according to Musk—waved unsteadily before being shoved across the stage by three human helpers.

Automating more work in warehouses leads one to imagine that humans are going to be replaced by machines. The relationship between robot and human workers is more complicated than the first thing you think. For instance, Amazon has increased its workforce even as it has rolled out more automation, as its business has continued to grow. The company appears sensitive to the perception that robots can disadvantage humans. At the event today, the company showed off employees who had gone from low-level jobs to more advanced ones. However, internal data obtained by Reveal has suggested Amazon workers at more automated facilities suffer more injuries because the pace of work is faster. The company has claimed that robotics and other technology makes its facilities safer.

Amazon is currently testing Sparrow at a facility in Texas where the robot is already sorting products for customer orders. The company says Sparrow can handle 65 percent of the more than 100 million items in its inventory. Tye Brady, chief technologist at Amazon Robotics, says that range is the most impressive thing about the robot. He says that no one has the inventory that Amazon has. Sparrow can grasp DVDs, socks, and stuffies, but still struggles with loose or complex packaging.

Brady believes that the role of robot is misunderstood. “I don’t view it as replacing people,” he said. “It’s humans and machines working together—not humans versus machines—and if I can allow people to focus on higher level tasks, that’s the win.”

A New Delivery Drone and An Electric Drone with Safety Systems for Collision Warning, Braking, and Automated Braking: Amazon and Rivian

At its event today, Amazon also demonstrated a new delivery drone, called MK30, that is capable of carrying loads of up to 5 pounds. Amazon has been testing drone delivery in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas, and says the new, more efficient drone will go into service in 2024. A new electric delivery vehicle made by Rivian that includes custom safety systems for collision warning and automatic braking is among the things showcased by the company.