AI in Logistics: How Work is Changing at Amazon

A study by the Politecnico di Milano reveals a perhaps surprising truth: Artificial Intelligence creates jobs, it doesn’t destroy them.

The results of the analysis on the impact of AI in the Italian e-commerce logistics sector appear to dispel common myths about automation. In fact, 80% of companies have reassigned employees to better roles and 85% have improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

It is no coincidence that Amazon actively and directly collaborated on the study, which highlights some particularly interesting figures regarding positive transformation:

• 80% of companies reassigned employees to high-value roles
• In 85% of cases, there was an improvement in efficiency and customer satisfaction
• 40% of staff were able to develop advanced digital skills
• Dozens of new job categories (such as picker/packer) were created in Amazon centers
• Amazon trained 20,000 employees on new technologies during 2024

Amazon’s investment in AI technology and the benefits

As further proof of its strong innovation drive, Amazon has recently invested in a series of technologies that have delivered tangible benefits for its workforce.

The tilting cart facilitates automatic parcel unloading, reducing physical effort. The six-sided scanner ensures precise automated data capture, eliminating manual scanning. The ZancaSort system enables automated parcel transport, while VASS ensures highly accurate assisted sorting.

But what are the broader impacts of Amazon’s continued investment of hundreds of millions of euros each year in technology?

Environmental benefits

First and foremost, we can speak of waste reduction. The environmental impact of AI in logistics is significant: 50% of companies have halved their waste. Additionally, 70% reduced “emergency” shipments thanks to more accurate forecasting, which helped prevent urgent situations, cutting down on empty trips and wasted fuel.

There have also been major strides in space and transport optimization. 40% of companies recovered 20% of warehouse space. In more advanced cases, warehouse surface area is halved while maintaining the same service levels.

Transport efficiency has improved drastically. Half of the companies now achieve load rates of 85–95%. The total number of shipments has dropped by 30%.

Benefits for the workforce

Amazon is shifting from traditionally simple roles to 60 different job types. Specialized technicians are replacing traditional pickers, while data analysts are becoming central figures.

Meanwhile, the Career Choice program is funding certified courses and encouraging employees to participate. 30% of European participants have chosen technology-related courses, making tech the most popular path among employees.

Also in this area, Amazon has created the Last Mile Innovation Center in Germany. It is the only test facility in the world dedicated to delivery technologies and is likely to be where the solutions of the next decade will be born. The first fully automated station will open in 2026.

>>> Also read our article How to sell on Amazon USA: The Complete Guide for European Sellers. <<<

Benefits for the Supply Chain

There are also clear benefits for the supply chain: 95% of companies report improved visibility across the supply chain, with full integration becoming the new gold standard to eliminate traditional bottlenecks. 70% report greater internal collaboration between departments.

Moreover, 85% of companies state that the end-customer experience has improved. 60% report increased product availability, and the percentage of items ready for shipping is expected to grow. 40% have expanded their offering thanks to improved spatial efficiency: more products in the same warehouses mean more choice for customers.