Amazon engineers behind Kindle, Echo working on Covid-19 testing tools

The Amazon team behind products like Kindle e-readers and Echo smart home speakers is now working to build Covid-19 testing capabilities.

Amazon’s hardware group Lab126 is hiring engineers to work on its coronavirus testing initiative, according to job listings reported by GeekWire.

In a series of job posts, the e-commerce giant is looking for new Lab126 mechanical design engineers to “investigate and introduce new technology and methodology to enhance quality and efficiency of Covid-19 testing,” among other responsibilities.

“Lab126 is based in Silicon Valley, but the posts indicate these jobs are located in Hebron, Ky., where Amazon is separately hiring lab assistants, scientists and others for its Covid-19 testing programme,” said the report.