Background

Amazon has always prioritized employee wellness and injury prevention, particularly within its Injury Prevention Specialist (IPS) teams. However, the existing technology used for injury prevention and employee recovery was outdated, inefficient, and posed a risk of skin injuries due to thermal runaway. Amazon needed a safer, more effective solution to support its large workforce across multiple locations.

The Challenge

Amazon's previous system relied on moist heating pads, which presented several critical challenges:

  • Thermal Runaway Risk

    The system lacked precise temperature control, causing overheating and an increased risk of skin injuries. This made the system unsafe for regular use.

  • Inconvenience

    The system required a bulky, non-portable water tank to generate heat and additional barriers to prevent direct skin contact, making it cumbersome.

  • Inefficiency

    High operational costs stemmed from the need for laundry services, ancillary supplies, and frequent maintenance, all while delivering subpar results.

Amazon recognized the need for a cutting-edge solution that could mitigate these risks and improve the overall wellness of its employees.

The XOTHRM® Solution

Amazon turned to XOTHRM’s SmartPad to address these challenges. The XOTHRM SmartPad brought numerous advantages over the old technology:

  • Automatic Temperature Control

    The SmartPad’s patented smart temperature regulation prevents overheating, eliminating thermal runaway and greatly reducing the risk of skin injuries.

  • EZ Clean Exterior

    The proprietary, easy-to-clean medical grade design eliminates the need for protective barriers, streamlining use while cutting associated costs.

  • Far Infrared Energy

    Proven to penetrate up to 5x deeper and be more effective than conventional heat therapy, far infrared energy made the SmartPad more efficacious for injury prevention and recovery.

Implementation and Results

After validating the XOTHRM SmartPad in a pilot program, Amazon fast-tracked the device for adoption. A regional soft launch was immediately initiated, with plans for national rollout. The product is currently being implemented across Amazon’s US and Canadian locations, with future expansion plans to Europe, Asia, and Mexico by 2027.

The reception of the XOTHRM SmartPad at Amazon has been overwhelmingly positive:

  • 0% return rate

    The product’s reliability and effectiveness were validated by immediate follow-on purchases and zero returns.

  • Cost savings

    XOTHRM's technology has resulted in over 50% cost savings by eliminating the need for laundry services, ancillary supplies, and maintenance costs.

  • Risk mitigation

    The SmartPad significantly mitigates the risk of skin injuries, improving safety for Amazon’s employees.

An anonymous Amazon representative shared their thoughts on the implementation:
"The XOTHRM SmartPad has revolutionized how we approach employee wellness and injury prevention. Its ease of use, safety features, and effectiveness make it an indispensable tool in our facilities."

The Future

Amazon plans to phase out its existing moist heating pad system, with a goal of replacing it entirely with the XOTHRM SmartPad by 2027. The rollout is set to expand to smaller facilities as part of first-aid supplies, with the long-term vision of improving employee health, reducing risks, and cutting costs.

As XOTHRM’s SmartPad continues to prove its value, Amazon aims to make it a key component of its global wellness and injury prevention initiatives, ensuring that the company’s workforce remains healthy, safe, and productive across the globe.

Safer ✭ Cleaner ✭ More Effective