Tag: Amazon

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Beyond

Amazon Cloud facility damaged in Bahrain strike

Amazon’s cloud services infrastructure in Bahrain has reportedly suffered damage following a suspected strike linked to Iran, signalling how geopolitical conflicts are increasingly affecting critical technology systems.

The incident is believed to have impacted facilities run by Amazon Web Services (AWS), a major global provider of cloud computing services. While the full extent of the damage has not been officially disclosed, sources indicate that the disruption could affect services relying on AWS’s Bahrain region.

Authorities in Bahrain confirmed that emergency teams were deployed to handle a fire at a company facility. Officials attributed the incident to external aggression but stopped short of directly naming Amazon in their initial statements.

This development comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western allies, with reports suggesting that infrastructure linked to U.S. companies has become a potential target. Analysts believe such actions may be intended not only to cause disruption but also to send a strategic message about the vulnerability of foreign investments in the region.

AWS plays a crucial role in supporting digital operations for businesses, governments, and online platforms worldwide. Any disruption to its infrastructure can have ripple effects across sectors, including banking, e-commerce, and communication services that depend on stable cloud access.

This is not the first time Amazon’s Bahrain operations have faced challenges in recent weeks, indicating a pattern of instability tied to the broader conflict. Experts warn that as modern warfare evolves, non-military targets such as data centres are increasingly at risk.

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Corporate

Drone activity disrupts Amazon AWS in Bahrain

Amazon has reported a disruption in its cloud operations in Bahrain after drone activity impacted its Amazon Web Services (AWS) systems amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

According to the company, the Bahrain AWS region experienced service interruptions following the incident. While it remains unclear whether the facility itself was directly hit, the disruption has affected services relying on the region. This is the second such outage reported in recent weeks.

Amazon said it is actively working to restore services and has recommended that customers switch to other AWS regions to maintain continuity. AWS supports a wide range of businesses and institutions globally, making any disruption significant for operations and data access.

The incident comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, where drone and missile activity has increasingly targeted infrastructure. While earlier attacks were largely focused on energy assets, recent developments suggest that digital and cloud infrastructure are also at risk.

Previous disruptions in the region had already raised concerns about the vulnerability of major data centres operating in conflict zones. The latest incident further highlights the growing exposure of technology networks to security threats.

Amazon stated that it is coordinating with local authorities and prioritising the safety of its staff while assessing the situation. However, the company has not disclosed the extent of the damage or provided a timeline for full restoration of services.

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Corporate

Amazon buys Rivr to test stair-climbing robots for deliveries

Amazon has acquired Swiss robotics startup Rivr as it looks to strengthen its delivery network using automation. The deal, for which financial details were not shared, focuses on improving the “last-mile”, the final and often most challenging step of delivering packages to customers.

Rivr, based in Zurich, has developed delivery robots designed to handle real-world obstacles that typically limit automation. Unlike traditional wheeled robots, Rivr’s machines can climb stairs, move over uneven surfaces, and navigate tight urban spaces. This makes them better suited for reaching customers’ doorsteps directly, especially in cities and apartment complexes.

The robots use a mix of wheels and leg-like movements, allowing them to travel efficiently while still adapting to complex terrain. They are designed to carry packages from delivery vans to homes, potentially reducing the physical workload for human delivery workers and speeding up the process.

Amazon has been investing in robotics for years, especially inside its warehouses. With this acquisition, the company is now focusing more on applying advanced automation to outdoor delivery. The goal is to make deliveries faster, more efficient, and less dependent on manual labour, particularly in areas where logistics can be difficult.

The timing of the deal reflects growing interest in solving last-mile challenges, which remain one of the most expensive parts of e-commerce operations. While Amazon has tested delivery robots before, scaling them has been difficult due to issues like navigation and safety. Rivr’s technology could help overcome some of these hurdles.

Such robots could play a key role in the future of deliveries, especially in densely populated cities where traditional methods face delays. However, large-scale deployment is likely to take time, as companies test the technology in real-world conditions.

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Corporate

Amazon announces 90-day code safety reset

Amazon has announced a 90-day “code safety reset” after a series of technical issues disrupted its online platform. The move comes after some outages were linked to software changes created with the help of artificial intelligence tools.

According to reports, the problems affected Amazon’s systems that handle orders and deliveries, causing website errors and cancelled orders for some customers. The incidents prompted the company to review how its engineers write and release software updates.

As part of the reset, Amazon has introduced stricter rules for engineers working on its most critical systems. For the next 90 days, developers must follow additional safety checks before releasing new code. This includes getting at least two engineers to review the code and properly documenting any changes before they go live.

The new measures will apply to around 335 “Tier-1 systems”, which are Amazon’s most important services that directly affect customers. These systems include parts of the platform responsible for shopping, payments and order processing.

Reports suggest that some of the recent issues were connected to the growing use of AI-assisted coding tools, including Amazon’s own internal AI assistant called Q. These tools help engineers write code faster, but they can sometimes introduce errors if the code is not carefully checked.

By introducing stricter reviews and documentation requirements, Amazon hopes to reduce the chances of similar problems in the future. The company also wants engineers to slow down and focus more on stability when making changes to critical systems.

The safety reset will also involve closer monitoring of software updates and stronger approval processes before any changes are implemented.

Industry experts say the move highlights the challenges companies face as they increasingly rely on AI to speed up software development. While AI tools can improve productivity, they also require careful oversight to avoid unexpected errors.

Amazon said the 90-day period will give the company time to review its development practices and strengthen safeguards.

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Technology

Amazon starts AI platform for healthcare administration

Amazon has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to help healthcare providers automate routine administrative work and improve efficiency in hospitals and clinics. The tool has been launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud computing division.

The new platform is built to handle several time-consuming administrative processes that healthcare workers typically manage manually. These include tasks such as appointment scheduling, verifying patient details, reviewing medical histories, preparing clinical notes and generating billing codes.

Administrative work is a major challenge for many healthcare systems around the world. Doctors and nurses often spend significant time on paperwork and data entry, which can reduce the time available for patient care. With the new AI platform, Amazon aims to streamline these processes so that healthcare professionals can focus more on treating patients.

The system can interact with patients through voice or digital communication channels to help book appointments and answer routine queries. It can also access and organise patient information, making it easier for medical staff to review records and prepare documentation during consultations.

According to the company, the platform is designed to integrate with existing electronic health record systems used by hospitals and clinics. This allows healthcare organisations to adopt the technology without replacing their current infrastructure.

The AI tool is also capable of assisting with tasks after a patient visit. It can automatically generate summaries of consultations, prepare documentation and create billing codes required for insurance claims and payments.

Amazon says the system can operate continuously, helping hospitals manage patient requests at any time of the day. In cases where the AI cannot resolve a request, the issue can be transferred to human staff for further assistance.

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Leaders

Amazon AGI Chief David Luan resigns

David Luan, who heads Amazon’s Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) lab, has announced that he will leave the company. Luan shared the update publicly, saying he plans to step away by the end of the week to focus on new opportunities in artificial intelligence research.

Luan joined Amazon in June 2024 after the company acquired his startup, Adept AI Labs. The deal brought him and several members of his team into Amazon, where they became part of a newly created AGI division based in San Francisco. The lab was set up to work on advanced AI systems, including agent-based technologies that can perform tasks with minimal human input.

During his time at Amazon, Luan played a key role in building and launching Nova Act, an AI agent designed to complete tasks autonomously in a web browser. The technology was integrated into services such as Alexa’s upgraded experiences and positioned as a competitor to similar tools developed by other major AI players.

In his farewell note, Luan thanked Amazon’s leadership, including CEO Andy Jassy, and highlighted the progress made in scaling AI models and developing new research capabilities. He suggested that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence influenced his decision to pursue fresh challenges in the field.

Following his departure, oversight of the AGI team will move under Peter DeSantis, a senior executive within Amazon Web Services (AWS). The leadership change comes as Amazon continues to streamline and strengthen its AI operations amid intense global competition.

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Technology

Amazon opens second-largest Asia office in Bengaluru

US e-commerce giant Amazon has opened its second-largest office in Asia in Bengaluru, highlighting the city’s importance as a tech and business hub. The new 12-storey campus spreads over 1.1 million square feet on a five-acre site near Yelahanka, about 15 km from Kempegowda International Airport. It will accommodate more than 7,000 employees working in technology, operations, e-commerce, payments, and seller services.

The office is designed to encourage collaboration and employee well-being, with modern workspaces, meeting rooms, breakout zones, landscaped lawns, sports courts, and cafeterias. The campus combines productivity with comfort, reflecting Amazon’s focus on employee experience.

The opening was attended by Karnataka Industries Minister Dr. M.B. Patil, who said the investment shows India’s growing role in global technology and innovation. Samir Kumar, Amazon India Country Manager, said Bengaluru has been central to the company’s growth in India and continues to be a key location for expansion in Asia.

This new office adds to Amazon’s existing operations in Karnataka, where the company runs multiple corporate offices, fulfillment and delivery centers. Amazon has invested over $40 billion in India so far and plans an additional $35 billion by 2030 to expand its business, support local sellers, create jobs, and develop technology.

The Bengaluru campus demonstrates Amazon’s long-term confidence in India’s growth and reinforces the city’s position as a hub for global operations, innovation, and talent.

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1 Minute-Read

Bride’s mehendi features Amazon logo

An Amazon India couple has captured social media attention after the bride incorporated the company’s signature smile logo into her mehendi during their wedding celebrations.

Priyanshi Shrimal and Rajat Verma, who met while working together, chose the design as a tribute to the organisation that brought them closer. The heartwarming video, shared by Amazon’s official social media handle, shows the intricate henna artwork and the couple’s joyful reaction.

Online users praised the thoughtful gesture, calling it a unique blend of professional journey and personal milestone. The groom said the company will always hold a special place in their lives for helping them find each other.

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1 Minute-Read

Amazon to cut 16,000 jobs on Jan 27, Indian teams mostly

Amazon is set to begin a new round of layoffs on January 27, 2026, affecting around 16,000 employees worldwide. This move is part of the company’s ongoing restructuring, which may see nearly 30,000 corporate roles cut by mid-2026.

India teams, particularly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, are expected to face the largest impact. Cuts will span key divisions including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Prime Video, retail operations, and HR.

Internal discussions and reports suggest notices may already be circulating, though Amazon has not officially confirmed the details.

Categories
Corporate

Amazon plans 30,000 corporate job cuts

Amazon is preparing to announce another major round of corporate job cuts next week, a move that will take its total planned layoffs to nearly 30,000 roles, according to people familiar with the matter. The decision marks one of the largest workforce reductions in the company’s history and underscores the scale of restructuring underway at the global tech giant.

The upcoming layoffs are expected to affect thousands of employees across corporate functions, following an earlier round of cuts in October last year when Amazon eliminated around 14,000 white-collar jobs. Sources said the second phase could begin as early as next week, with employees being informed in stages.

Teams likely to be impacted include Amazon Web Services (AWS), retail and e-commerce operations, Prime Video, and human resources-related functions, though the company has not officially confirmed the details. Amazon declined to comment on the timing or scale of the cuts.

CEO Andy Jassy has been steadily reshaping Amazon’s corporate structure since taking over, with a clear focus on reducing layers of management, speeding up decision-making, and improving efficiency. In internal communications and public comments, Jassy has said the goal is to create smaller, more accountable teams rather than a sprawling corporate bureaucracy.

While artificial intelligence and automation have played a role in changing how work is done at Amazon, the company has stressed that the layoffs are not solely about replacing people with technology. Instead, the restructuring is aimed at simplifying operations after years of rapid expansion during the pandemic-driven boom in online shopping and cloud services.

If completed as planned, the reduction of nearly 30,000 corporate roles would amount to roughly 10% of Amazon’s corporate workforce. However, it represents only a small share of its total global headcount of about 1.58 million employees, most of whom work in warehouses, logistics, and delivery operations.

In previous layoffs, Amazon allowed affected employees a transition period during which they remained on payroll while exploring internal job opportunities or preparing to exit the company. That grace period for employees impacted in October is nearing its end, adding to the anxiety around the next announcement.

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