JD.com founder Liu Qiangdong pledged in an internal speech to protect the company’s 900,000 employees from automation. He stated that no front-line or blue-collar workers will be fired due to being replaced by machines.
The commitment comes as Chinese tech firms aggressively integrate AI to boost efficiency amid a slowing economy. JD.com continues to invest in unmanned technologies, including automated warehouses and drone delivery systems.
The company is focusing on retraining its workforce to manage the transition. It has established over 80 training bases to upskill employees in areas such as automated system maintenance.