Amazon has over 1 million robot workers. What’s next for human employees?

What happened

Amazon operates more than 1 million warehouse robots and plans to expand its fleet, while employing more than 1.5 million full-time and part-time human workers according to its 2025 annual report. Executives say robots reduce physically demanding tasks and injury risks, but labor advocates and researchers raise concerns about AI-driven automation. George Mason University professor Brad Greenwood says collaborative robots change workplace dynamics by working near people and potentially dictating their pace.

The story so far

Amazon operates more than 1 million warehouse robots and plans to expand the fleet, while executives, labor advocates and researchers disagree over what automation means for human workers. The company also employs more than 1.5 million full-time and part-time people, according to its 2025 annual report. Amazon executives say robots reduce physically demanding tasks and injury risks. Labor advocates and independent researchers raise concerns about AI-driven warehouse automation’s effects on employees. George Mason University professor Brad Greenwood says collaborative robots change workplace dynamics by working near people and potentially dictating their pace.

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