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Stefano La Rovere, a high-ranking Amazon official On Thursday, refuted the belief that robots and other technological advancements are taking over jobs.
Stefano La Rovere, who oversees global robotics, mechatronics, and sustainable packaging at Amazon, argued that rather than displacing workers, advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and similar technologies are actually improving the nature of people's work.
He further emphasized while speaking to CNBC that the introduction of new technology is giving rise to entirely new job categories.
La Rovere asserted, "The notion that technology and robots eliminate jobs is a misconception."
According to Amazon, the implementation of new technologies has positively impacted over 50,000 positions within its fulfilment centers in Europe.
The e-commerce company has implemented over 1,000 new technologies throughout its fulfillment centers in Europe in the past five years, with a total investment of more than 700 million euros ($751 million).
According to La Rovere, robots and technology assist employees by reducing the distance they need to walk between tasks, eliminating repetitive movements, and aiding in lifting heavy objects. Additionally, employees have the opportunity to develop new skills, competencies, and capabilities to advance in their careers.
La Rovere also mentioned that the use of technology has led to the creation of over 700 new job categories in recent years.
He used his own team, the Amazon robotics and AI division, as an example, highlighting their focus on automating Amazon's extensive network of fulfillment centers responsible for preparing orders for delivery to customers.
