A new study reveals that Australian workers are increasingly embracing robotics and AI, with many reporting significant time savings and productivity gains.
According to new consumer research commissioned by Amazon, Australian workers – especially those who have experience with robotics and AI – are increasingly seeing the benefits. Four out of five working Australians estimate that automation in their workplace could save them time during the workday – estimated at up to 61.3 minutes each day1 or more than 32 working days a year. Nearly three in five (56%) workers say they have experience using automation at work3, while four in five (79%) believe advanced machine tools, industrial robots and/or AI are relevant to their job1. However, only 36% believe they are currently using AI to its full potential1.
If it were possible to nominate tasks for technology to take on, Aussie workers say they would happily have a robot follow up on emails (26%) and sit in on meetings that could have been an email (23%). Mikell Taylor, Amazon Robotics’ Principal Tech Program Manager said, “While robots may not be able to manage your inbox or take your place in meetings, they can help with repetitive or physical tasks enabling workers to focus on more rewarding activities while also creating a safer workplace.”
The research supports this with nine out of ten (91%) Aussie workers who have had experience with AI and robotics saying their work has been positively impacted, including by increasing efficiency (51%), improving productivity (45%), and reducing mundane or routine tasks/workflow (38%)3.
Reshaping Australia’s workforce
Amazon Australia partnered with demographer, Bernard Salt, to explore how automation, robotics and AI have been reshaping Australia’s workforce. Bernard says Australia is experiencing a workforce revolution thanks to automation and robotics, identifying three key impacts: workforce expansion, higher-valued jobs, workplace safety. “Technological advancements are not just improving efficiency, they’re enhancing our overall lifestyles. With more Australians now in Skill Level 1 and 2 jobs, we’re seeing increased pay and improved job satisfaction. The low unemployment rate reflects a robust economy ready to reap the benefits of technological innovation.”
Workforce Expansion
“AI, robotics and technology-related roles have experienced the second largest growth over the decade – up 109,955 jobs according to ABS data for the decade to February 2024 – contributing strongly to the 25% increase in the Australian workforce over the same period4,” said Bernard. Amazon’s Mikell Taylor commented: “Since introducing robotics, Amazon has created 700 new categories of jobs globally. In Australia, Amazon already has robots working alongside our team in Sydney and similarly, our Melbourne robotics fulfilment centre will create more than 2,000 jobs working alongside advanced robotics ranging from entry-level jobs interacting with AI and robotics to pick and pack orders, to higher skilled roles such as engineers and operations managers.”
Increased Higher Value Jobs
“As automation drives greater efficiencies with routine tasks, we see a positive shift with workers moving into more skilled and higher-value positions. Higher-skilled (and higher paying) jobs have increased by 43% nationally in the decade to February 2024, compared to a 5% increase in lower-skilled jobs over the same decade4,” said Bernard. In Amazon’s Western Sydney robotics fulfilment centre (FC) alone, at least 1,000 jobs have been enhanced by new technologies such as AI-powered robotics, and sorting technologies, with skills training also offered for employees to transition into more skilled roles.
Sydney-based Amazon employee, Reza Faqiri, is one such worker who has benefitted from upskilling and is in a higher paid role as a result. Commencing as a ‘Picker’ at Amazon, Reza has undergone extensive internal training to upskill and become an Amnesty Floor Monitor (AFM), a role that enters the robotics floor to fix and solve any issues. “I am very proud of my job and the opportunity I’ve had to upskill in my career. I feel safe working with robots, and it means we are much more efficient,” says Reza.
Workplace Safety
“Through the reduction of monotonous, repetitive or boring tasks, automation and robotics are also improving job safety, minimising workplace hazards, contributing to a healthier workforce overall,” said Bernard.
Mikell says that improving safety and supporting workers is a key focus for her team when designing and introducing robotics at the company. “Our robots are highly capable machines designed to lift and move large carts, weighing up to 362kg. Our goal is to ensure these systems improve safety and productivity. Technology should be used to help us retain and grow our talent through skill development and reimagining how we make our workplace better, both in productivity and safety.”
Looking ahead, Bernard highlights that as technology continues to evolve, the key skill for future workers is adaptability: “In a world driven by AI and tech, being open to learning and embracing change is essential. Government, business and individual workers are all on the same page when it comes to seeing the benefits that automation and robotics can bring and adapting to this change, suggesting a positive trajectory for the future of work in Australia.”
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