We know well that Amazon has been one of the pioneers in betting on automated technology to increase its production rate, even if this means eliminating jobs.
Amazon Is Using New Machines That Automatically Package Products And Replace Workers
Now, according to Reuters, Amazon is implementing new machines in its warehouses, which are responsible for putting the products in custom-made boxes.
According to the information, Amazon has been testing this technology for some years, which consists of a large machine that scans the products on a conveyor belt, and then wraps them in cardboard, creating a box of just the right size, and leave them ready for delivery.
Machines that are up to Five Times Faster than Humans
According to Reuters sources, Amazon is contemplating at least two packing machines per warehouse for a dozen of its U.S. facilities.
Each machine would replace the work of 24 people, who each day pack the products, seal the boxes, and label them for shipment.
According to Reuters’ estimate, installing these machines at 55 of Amazon’s “standard-size” logistics centers in the United States would represent more than 1,300 layoffs. Amazon expects to recover the costs of each million-dollar machine in less than two years.
The machines, CartonWrap, would be manufactured by the Italian company CMC and would offer a packing capacity of between 600 and 700 boxes per hour, that is, four to five times more than a human.
The machine is not 100% automatic, as it still requires three people to operate it: one to put the items onto the conveyor belt; another to load the cardboard and glue; and the third would be a technician who would be there to solve any possible jams.
In statements to Reuters, Amazon mentioned:
“We are testing this new technology with the aim of increasing safety, speeding up delivery times and increasing efficiency throughout our network. We expect efficiency savings to be reinvested in new services for customers, where new jobs will continue to be created.
So far, CMC has not confirmed that it is collaborating with Amazon for the installation of its machines. On the other hand, people familiar with this subject say that this type of machines are already being used by companies such as JD.com Inc., Shutterfly Inc. and even Walmart. In fact, they claim that Walmart has been using them for more than three years.
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