Jun 29, 2021 14:00:00

It is pointed out that the algorithm of 'Amazon Flex' that Amazon outsources delivery is robbing some users of work

Amazon offers a program called Amazon Flex that outsources shipping operations, but it is reported that many sole proprietors are facing difficulties due to the algorithm used in this Amazon Flex.

Fired by Bot: Amazon Turns to Machine Managers And Workers Are Losing Out --Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-06-28/fired-by-bot-amazon-turns-to-machine-managers-and-workers-are-losing-out

Amazon is using algorithms with little human intervention to fire Flex workers | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/06/amazon-is-firing-flex-workers-using-algorithms-with-little-human-intervention/

According to the latest Bloomberg report, millions of Amazon Flex sole proprietors have been 'taken away by the algorithms the system runs.' The algorithm operated by Amazon Flex has a serious flaw, and although the bugs seen in the early days have been fixed, serious bugs remain.

In fact, on the overseas bulletin board Reddit, 'When I delivered on a rainy day, I received some complaints that my luggage was wet. After that, on bad weather, Amazon Flex stopped requesting delivery. such as ' post and, such as' account for the face of the account photograph of the face and the delivery person does not match has been deactivated ' post there is, you have raised a complaint that had run out of work by the algorithm of the Amazon Flex.

However, since Amazon has many sole proprietors who use Amazon Flex, at the time of writing the article, it is not difficult to secure a driver, and there is no concern about voices and reports from users requesting improvement. Reported Ars Technica.

'Amazon executives don't mind the voices pointing out flaws in the system,' a former Amazon engineer who designed the Amazon Flex system told Bloomberg.

Amazon launched Amazon Flex in 2015 and was introduced to handle the exponential fast-delivery service Prime Now packages. Amazon is also currently delivering Whole Foods Market groceries, and in 2020, the pandemic of the new coronavirus will boost demand for online shopping. As a result, the demand for Amazon Flex is higher than ever.

In Amazon Flex, all deliveryman performance reports and dismissals are handled by the program. Therefore, there is almost no human intervention. Delivery personnel can sign up for the service via a dedicated smartphone app to coordinate deliveries and report problems. Amazon Flex delivery personnel use algorithms to determine delivery capabilities based on customer evaluations such as 'Is the package delivered on time?' Or 'Is the package delivered in front of the house hidden from the street?' You will be assigned to deliver your parcel. As a result, delivery personnel who have been given a low rating for the algorithm will not be able to allocate deliveries and will effectively lose their jobs.

An Amazon Flex deliveryman said, 'I had to return my luggage to the warehouse because the delivery vehicle had a flat tire, and my evaluation went down.' The gate of the apartment house was not open and the package could not be delivered. That alone stopped the account from being requested to deliver the package. ' Overseas media reports that there are cases where it cannot be evaluated correctly.

In response to Amazon's voice that 'Amazon Flex delivery personnel are being mistreated by algorithms,' 'We have invested heavily in technology and resources to improve the delivery personnel's status and improve delivery capabilities.' I'm evaluating it correctly. '