PlebbySpaff t1_it2pi8b wrote on October 20, 2022 at 2:38 PM

I mean as someone that works at Amazon, the time off task thing is really more a measure to see how often people get off task (e.g., someone being gone for 30 minutes at a time is gonna raise suspicions from their managers).

But that aside, we have automated robots at our FC (the one in the photo is one we also have at our Outbound docks). It does the work well of sorting totes, but constantly requires a human to maintain it and fix issues that may arise. Also usually turns off when people go to break/lunch, because it can’t run on its own the entire time without a potential issue. I understand the fear of automation when it comes to keeping up with production, but at the rate they go now, it will be very many years before robotics gets to a point where it can just outright replace humans.

As for rates though, it varies by facility, but the overall rate average that Amazon expects across all facilities is something anyone can really manage. Those that may have accommodations or some trouble with the work typically are excluded from having to hit rate.

Remote-Pain t1_it35szz wrote on October 20, 2022 at 4:24 PM

I have no fear of automation, what I have a fear of is the gap between rich and pour growing even wider over time because of it. Replacing 100 jobs with a robot that costs maybe 5k a year to maintain increases profits a very large amount, but what goes back to society? I believe a fair universal wage in line with inflation for everyone should be established early on. In this way we can maintain a healthy, happy society going into a future that is largely automated. I often think of the social and economic structure on Star Trek the next Gen. Where no one really gets paid, but is free to pursue any life goal and personal growth with all their needs taken care of.

jkwasy t1_it2rmuc wrote on October 20, 2022 at 2:52 PM

I'm sure this'll be considered an unpopular opinion when more people jump into the comment section. "How dare anyone say something reasonably positive about Amazon working conditions"

I'm not even defending Amazon. Just observing how this comment will probably be received.

PlebbySpaff t1_it2v8st wrote on October 20, 2022 at 3:16 PM

Yeah I know. But I am speaking from experience, so I at least have some knowledge on the robotics (not a huge amount, but maybe enough to clarify a few things). This is the futurology subreddit, so it’s a good place to discuss these thing. I specifically work at what’s called an Automated Robotics Fulfillment Center (ARFC).

If people wanna attack it, whatever. But this is really a place for discussion, and not some weird personal beliefs that’d derail it.

Also may have a video of the roomba units moving somewhere in my photo album. For the picture you see in the post, I could probably get one next week when I get back to work.

Blue_water_dreams t1_it37gak wrote on October 20, 2022 at 4:35 PM

Without verification it would be unwise to receive it any other way than with skepticism. There is no way for us to know if anything posted in that comment is true or not.