Amazon has started using a human-shaped robot to lift and carry crates in its warehouses in a move that will fuel debate about technology’s impact on jobs.
The new six foot robot, called Digit, can walk forwards and backwards, crouch, bend and move around obstacles in similar movements to humans.
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The robot was developed by US firm Agility Robotics three years ago but Amazon’s decision to introduce the technology in its Seattle warehouse is a game-changer.
Tye Brady, chief technologist at Amazon Robotics, said “We want to use robotics to eliminate the menial, mundane and repetitive from peoples’ work.”
He added that Amazon’s use of Digit was in its very early stages. “It’s a walking robot – it’s pretty cool that’s for sure but we will work to understand that it improves efficiency and safety.”
Amazon did not say how its human warehouse workers have reacted to the new human-shaped robot. However, the tech giant insisted it would not lead to fewer jobs.
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Agility Robotics’ website says that it’s robots aren’t designed with the goal of mimicking people. “We set out to create machines that can work in our spaces alongside us. Doing the job right requires many of the same physical characteristics.”
There are growing fears about the loss of human jobs as a result of rising use of artificial intelligence and robots.
Telecoms group BT announced earlier this year more than 10,000 jobs would be axed as a result of it replacing roles with AI.
At a presentation in Seattle, Mr Brady insisted that Amazon was focused on “collaborative machines” that work with people rather than replacing jobs.
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“We want robotics to blend into the background,” he said.
“You don’t think about the dishwasher in your kitchen, it’s just there cleaning the dishes while you get on with other stuff.
“It’s still a clever robot. A machine can do the dishes, I’m not running out of things to do.”
He added that Amazon’s increase use of robots “allow me to do more of the things that matter to our customers”.
“The bottom line for me is more robots, more jobs.”
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