AmazonIt has launched its latest warehouse robot. Sparrow is “the first robot in our warehouses that can detect and select individual products from our inventory.” It uses AI and computer vision for millions of items recognition and handling. According to Amazon.
According to Amazon, robots can help it run its operations more efficiently and safer by being in its warehouses. Amazon explained that Sparrow will automate repetitive tasks so employees can focus their energy and time on other tasks while improving safety. Sparrow will automate a crucial part of our fulfillment process, allowing us to continue to deliver customers’ products. It also stated that robots have enabled it to create over 700 new job types.
Amazon has a mixed record in terms of customer service. Conditions for warehouse workersThis is especially true when robots are involved. In 2020, the Center for Investigative reporting’s Reveal Publication Released a reportAccording to this report, the rate of serious injuries suffered by Amazon workers at automated warehouses was 50% higher than in facilities that do not use robots.
According to the report, Amazon’s use of robots caused them to increase their workers’ quotas. This required them to scan 400 items an hour instead of scanning 100. “The data back up the accounts of Amazon warehouse workers and former safety professionals who say the company has used the robots to ratchet up production quotas to the point that humans can’t keep up without hurting themselves,” This is the report.
In July 2008, it emergedThe US government was investigating Amazon for alleged unsafe work conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted inspections that were “related” to Amazon’s warehouse workers’ work pace.
Amazon hired Sparrow as a warehouse worker to organize their work places, where robots can take over some of the duties. The JFK8 fulfillment centre in Staten Island was occupied by workers in March. Voted to uniteIt was the first Amazon warehouse to do it. The company challenged the results of the election. Workers at an Albany warehouse in New York were also protesting the election results. Voted against unionizationAfter Amazon Organized an anti-union campaign.
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