Amazon Cuts Around 100 Corporate Roles in Robotics Division

Seattle: Amazon has reduced headcount within its robotics division, affecting around 100 corporate roles connected to teams responsible for developing automation technologies used across the company’s global warehouse network.
The layoffs primarily impacted white-collar employees working on systems that design, build and manage robotics used in Amazon’s fulfilment centres.
In an internal communication to employees, a senior robotics executive described the move as a difficult but necessary decision as the company continues efforts to streamline operations. The company also reiterated that robotics and automation remain a key strategic focus for its logistics operations.
Support for Affected Employees
A spokesperson for Amazon confirmed that a relatively small number of positions were eliminated within the robotics unit.
According to the company, employees affected by the layoffs will receive:

Severance packages

Continued health benefits for a limited period

Support in finding new roles inside or outside the company

Part of Broader Corporate Restructuring
The workforce reduction is part of a broader restructuring initiative that began after the pandemic. During that period, Amazon significantly expanded its corporate workforce to meet surging demand for e-commerce and logistics services.
Since late 2022, the company has eliminated more than 57,000 corporate positions as leadership works to simplify organisational structures and reduce management layers under CEO Andy Jassy.
Robotics Remains Central to Amazon’s Logistics Strategy
Amazon’s robotics division has been a critical component of its warehouse operations since the company acquired Kiva Systems in 2012.
The automation technology has expanded steadily across fulfilment centres. In 2024, the company surpassed the milestone of deploying more than one million robots throughout its logistics network.
Shift in Robotics Development Strategy
The latest workforce changes also follow a shift in the robotics team’s strategy. Earlier this year, Amazon discontinued development of a warehouse robot system called Blue Jay after facing challenges related to cost, manufacturing complexity and operational deployment.
Teams that previously worked on the project have since been reassigned to other robotics initiatives.
Amazon is now focusing on more modular automation systems designed to support smaller warehouses and flexible fulfilment models, as the company continues to evolve its logistics technology infrastructure.
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