News Summary
Amazon has launched free public tours of its Otay Mesa fulfillment center in San Diego. Visitors can explore advanced robotics and AI technology used in operations. The tours, available for ages six and up on select weekdays, allow participants to observe automated systems that enhance workplace safety and efficiency. The facility processes millions of packages weekly and reflects Amazon’s commitment to innovation and local job opportunities. Tours can be scheduled at www.amazontours.com.
San Diego – Amazon is now offering free tours of its large fulfillment center located at 6971 Otay Mesa Road in San Diego. This initiative, announced this week, aims to give visitors a glimpse into the company’s cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence technology utilized in their operations.
The public tours, which cater to visitors aged six and up, are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These tours present a unique opportunity for the public to witness the advanced technological systems that enhance both workplace safety and operational efficiency.
During these guided tours, participants will observe three distinct types of robotic systems deployed within the fulfillment center. The initiative highlights Amazon’s ongoing commitment to integrating automation with their workforce, significantly reducing the physical demands placed on employees by automating repetitive tasks.
Visitors interested in experiencing this technology can schedule their tour or gather additional information at www.amazontours.com. The Otay Mesa facility, which commenced operations on September 3, 2021, fully ramping up by September 7, is engineered to boost productivity. The facility plays a crucial role in processing packages originating from over 40 fulfillment centers, predominantly located in California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Operational Capacity and Workforce
On a weekly basis, the Otay Mesa fulfillment center sees approximately 1.5 million packages arriving and departing, a figure that can surge to between 3 to 4 million during peak holiday seasons. The facility boasts an impressive processing capability of up to 18,000 packages per hour, showcasing its advanced sorting technology.
A workforce of 1,500 employees works alongside 920 robots within the facility. These human workers benefit from automation that lessens the physical handling required, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. Amazon has consistently provided its employees with competitive wages, starting at $15 per hour and inclusive of various benefits and opportunities for advancement.
Significance and Local Impact
Over the past decade, Amazon has invested more than $12.3 billion in the San Diego region, indicating its dedication to fostering economic growth through technological advancements. San Diego’s talent pool in technology is regarded as essential for driving future innovations in logistics and enhancing processing speeds for Amazon’s operations.
This robotics sorting facility is one of 12 such Amazon locations in the United States and is the only facility with this designation in Southern California. It underwent significant upgrades to optimize its operations. Additionally, areas within the fulfillment center are sometimes restricted to safeguard proprietary fulfillment technologies.
Employment Opportunities
Job applicants interested in joining the Amazon workforce at the Otay Mesa facility can apply online at amazon.com/otaymesa or by sending a text with the message SDNOW to 77088. This recruitment effort reflects Amazon’s ongoing commitment to bolstering local employment opportunities alongside technological innovations.
Through the introduction of free tours and job opportunities, Amazon continues to engage with the San Diego community, allowing residents to explore the capabilities of modern automation and its integration with human labor, showcased during a recent media event on Cyber Monday.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Meet Amazon’s Robots – Free Tours Offered at San Diego Fulfillment Center
- San Diego Union Tribune: A First Peek Inside Amazon’s New San Diego Center
- Fox 5 San Diego: Amazon Opens Its Biggest Facility in California
- Google Search: Amazon Fulfillment Centers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amazon.com
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
