New York —Amazon is laying off 16,000 employees, the company’s second round of large-scale job reductions in three months as it fights to improve its standing in the battle for AI supremacy. He wants the company to remain nimble so it can adapt and change quickly as AI upends the technology sector. Amazon separately announced Tuesday it would close its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go grocery businesses, as it doubles down on its Whole Foods branded stores. Jassy said Amazon wasn’t unique in that respect: He envisioned billions of AI agents being put into service across every company and field. Some companies have recently reported they’re eliminating some positions because AI can automate entry-level workers’ tasks or make current workers more efficient.
