The world’s largest marketplace continues to axe its more experimental programs amid slowing sales growth.
“During our Scout limited field test, we worked to create a unique delivery experience, but learned through feedback that there were aspects of the program that weren’t meeting customers’ needs,” Alisa Carroll, an Amazon spokesperson, told members of the media. “As a result, we are ending our field tests and reorienting the program. We are working with employees during this transition, matching them to open roles that best fit their experience and skills.”
However, the e-commerce giant isn’t totally abandoning the idea of an autonomous robot. Carroll said that a skeleton crew will continue to look into the technology, though the vast majority of workers will be reassigned to other programs.
Of note, Sean Scott, a former vice president who oversaw the program, left Amazon about a year ago according to his LinkedIn page. Additionally, Aleksandar Kojic, the robotics director of autonomy for Scout, departed in July.
