Amazon has become a staple of modern life, with millions relying on it for everyday purchases. But few of us stop to consider how our packages magically reach our homes. What if I told you that a robot helped make it happen?

On May 7th, Amazon invited POCIT on a sponsored trip to its “Delivering the Future” event in Dortmund, Germany. This is the first in a series of events that will give the media exclusive access to an Amazon innovation center.

We were given a sneak peek into Amazon, which develops, tests, and scales cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer, employee, and community experience. Not only this, we spoke to Black employees about the rise of AI at Amazon and how that might affect marginalized communities. Here’s what happened when POCIT went to Dortmund.

Amazon’s Robot Speeds Up Orders

Amazon introduced the start of the event: The Vulcan, Amazon’s first robot with a sense of touch. Vulcan uses force feedback sensors to monitor the amount it’s pushing or holding on to an object with the hopes of not damaging it.

“When people see and talk to us about the robots, they’re really excited about the safety benefits, the efficiency benefits. It’s making jobs better, right? Less physical exertion, less risk of injury,” Aaron Parness, Director, Applied Science in Robotics and AI, Amazon Robotics, said.

The AI component? Amazon trains Vulcan’s AI on physical data around touch and force. It also uses algorithms to see what it can handle, identify different products, and find space in the fulfillment center. The machine has “tackled thousands” of objects and tasks, like moving electronics and picking up socks. The system can also learn from its mistakes, with Amazon stating the robot will become more capable as time goes on.

AI and people of color

For some, the rise of AI in the workplace is an exciting prospect. However, studies have shown that Black and Latine people are at higher risk of losing their jobs to automation and AI. An American Staffing Association survey found that Black and Hispanic Americans were especially likely to worry about automation replacing their jobs, but remained optimistic about how AI tools would shape their future careers.

Senior Manager and president of the Black Employees Network in Germany, Michael Omondi, says Amazon is taking action to make AI work for everyone. “While AI is changing how we work, it’s also opening new doors. That’s why we’re encouraging our people to grow through programs like Career Choice and other upskilling investments.”

He shares that: “The future of work will require people and technology working together, and I believe advancements like those we saw during the summit are just the start. I’m excited to see how we continue to evolve in this space.”

Being Black at Amazon

Omondi leads the Germany chapter of Amazon’s Black Employee Network, explaining that “while anyone in the company can participate, we fully recognize the importance of representation, especially in tech.”

“Our customers come from all walks of life – different cultures, genders, ethnicities, abilities, ages, and backgrounds,” Omondi says.

The network also focuses on career growth, mentorship, and partnerships with diverse community partners. “Not only do we work backward from the needs of our customers to create the best possible experience—we’re also highly focused on our employees who are core to Amazon’s global impact and success; and there are BEN chapters around the world working toward these same goals,” he adds.

Image: Amazon/PA