Amazon cuts roles in robotics division amid wider layoffs

Amazon cut jobs in its robotics division this week. In a message to employees, Amazon Robotics VP Scott Dresser described the changes as "difficult but necessary" and said robotics remains a "strategic priority." It's unclear how many employees were affected; the move comes as the company has eliminated more than 57,000 corporate roles since late 2022, including rounds of layoffs in October and January.

An Amazon spokesperson called the reductions a "relatively small number of robotics roles" and said the company continues to "hire and invest in strategic areas." The spokesperson added that Amazon provides severance pay, health insurance benefits, and job placement support for affected employees.

The company has also been winding down underperforming initiatives, recently closing its Fresh and Go grocery chains. Amazon's vast fulfillment network relies on thousands of robots to shuttle goods across warehouses.

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