E-commerce company %Amazon ($AMZN) is trialing the use of a %Humanoid robot at its warehouse fulfillment centres, a move the company says is designed to “free up” human workers.
The use of human-like robots is the latest sign of the technology giant automating its operations and lessening its reliance on human workers, say analysts.
Amazon said in a statement that the use of robots is about “freeing employees up to better deliver for our customers.”
The company is now testing a new robot called “Digit,” which has arms and legs and can move, grab items, and pack products in boxes like a human being.
Amazon stressed that its robotics systems have created “hundreds of thousands of new jobs” within its operations, adding that it now has more than 750,000 robots working “collaboratively” alongside human staff, often performing “highly repetitive tasks.”
The company said that the humanoid robots are a prototype and that the trial is being carried out to determine if they can work safely alongside Amazon’s human employees.
Amazon has increased its use of robots in recent years as pressure mounts for the company to cut costs.
The stock of Amazon has risen 11% in the last 12 months and currently trades at $128.40 U.S. per share.
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