Amazon Cuts 100 Robotics Division Jobs, Halts Blue Jay Project
Amazon has cut at least 100 white-collar roles in its robotics division, halting the Blue Jay automated picking system project. These layoffs add to roughly 30,000 corporate job cuts since last year as the company pushes AI efficiency and trims nearly 10% of its corporate workforce.
1. Robotics Division Layoffs
Amazon eliminated at least 100 white-collar positions in its robotics unit, which designs machines and automated systems used in the company’s fulfillment centers.
2. Blue Jay Project Halted
The robotics team has stopped development of the Blue Jay system, an automated multi-arm picker showcased in October that was designed to grab several items simultaneously in tight spaces.
3. Broader Corporate Cuts and AI Efficiency
These cuts follow roughly 30,000 corporate layoffs since October, representing close to 10% of Amazon’s corporate workforce, as the company integrates AI-powered tools to improve operational efficiency.
4. Anticipated Operational Impact
Scaling back robotics development may slow the rollout of new warehouse automation hardware and shift Amazon’s focus toward AI software enhancements across other divisions.