Amazon's HR Lead Uses AI Tool to Write 100,000 Lines of Code - 25 Years After She Last Coded

Amazon's HR leader recounts her experience using an AI-powered coding tool to write 100,000 lines of code, which was 25 years after her last coding endeavor. Initially, she created a calendar app for her family, but later utilized Amazon's AI-powered coding tool, Kiro, to develop an application for Amazon's internal Everyone Can Build event.

The company opened the competition to all its employees and received over 1,500 submissions. One participant developed an app that transformed a lengthy manual process into a mere one-second automated task, saving countless hours annually. Another employee crafted a desktop companion named Momo that provided quick access to tasks, reminders, and shortcuts.

As Galetti continued to work with these AI tools, she discovered that the process became increasingly intuitive and that they expanded her capabilities rather than replacing them. She emphasized the importance of not expecting perfection when beginning, just the determination to start. Galetti found herself needing assistance in initiating the submission app for the team competition and sought help from the internal AI workplace assistant, Aza.

This led her to the Kiro tool, where she began building her application. Amazon offers AI tools to all employees, empowering them to address problems independently, leading to surprising and innovative creations. Additionally, the company provides free AI training for all employees, covering various levels, from foundational concepts to advanced generative AI.

With this support, employees can earn industry-recognized credentials. However, it's worth noting that Amazon also announced the elimination of 16,000 corporate jobs, which coincided with a heavy investment in artificial intelligence.