A recent study led by MIT reveals that 60% of employees who interact with robotics and AI in the workplace expect these technologies to improve their productivity, job satisfaction, and safety.

Amazon is using this data to enhance its operations, focusing on how technology can serve its employees by boosting safety, according to an article by Tye Brady, Amazon’s Chief Technologist for Robotics. 

“One of the most compelling findings from the study is that employees who have hands-on experience with robotics are generally more positive about the impact of automation," Brady wrote. "This insight underscores a fundamental truth: Concerns about automation often stem from the unknown, and as employees gain familiarity with these new tools, they see their benefits.”

Amazon has partnered with MIT to understand how employees perceive automation and its impacts on their daily work. The global study is independent and across nine countries. 

The MIT study found that workers who are engaged in complex problem-solving in their positions and those who are looking to advance their careers tend to view new technologies positively. Additionally, while financial incentives improve employee perceptions of automation, increased input on technology use does not significantly affect workers' attitudes.

Amazon is committing over $1.2 billion to train employees for high-demand roles like robotics engineering, ensuring the workforce can grow alongside technological advancements. To improve workplace safety, Amazon has invested $750 million in initiatives that reduce physical strain on employees through the use of robotics. New systems, such as the autonomous mobile robot Proteus, are designed to handle repetitive tasks.