Amazon has unveiled a groundbreaking warehouse robot named Vulcan, capable of performing tasks previously reserved for human workers thanks to a unique sense of touch. Currently operating in Spokane, Washington, Vulcan uses an AI-powered sensor in its gripper to detect pressure and torque, enabling it to handle about 75% of the facility’s one million unique inventory items. This innovation marks a significant evolution from earlier robotic arms that relied solely on visual detection and suction.
Unlike traditional warehouse robots, Vulcan can operate up to 20 hours a day and is specifically designed to reduce physical strain on human employees by handling items on top shelves, which are harder to reach. By keeping workers in the “power zone”—a mid-level range that minimizes injury risk—Vulcan contributes to addressing Amazon’s long-standing concerns about workplace injuries. The robot is separated from employees by a fence to prevent accidents, operating at a speed comparable to that of a human worker and managing items weighing up to eight pounds.
Despite its advanced capabilities, Vulcan is not part of a full automation strategy. Amazon emphasizes that complete automation is neither practical nor desirable, as robots alone cannot manage all the variability of warehouse tasks. Instead, the focus is on augmenting the workforce. Vulcan’s deployment is expected to create new jobs in robot maintenance, installation, and operation. One Amazon employee shared that transitioning from manual picking to working with robots has made her job easier and opened up new opportunities, even if it hasn’t yet resulted in a pay increase.
Amazon has invested $1.2 billion since 2019 in upskilling over 350,000 workers, with participants in its robotics apprenticeship program often seeing salary increases of around 40%. Vulcan’s development team has expanded from a few individuals to over 250 in just three years, reflecting the project’s scale and significance.
The robot also holds potential to reduce costly errors in order fulfillment, such as incorrect product selection, which frequently leads to returns. While other projects like the humanoid robot Digit remain in early testing stages, Vulcan is already proving its practical value. With future deployments planned in the U.S. and Germany by 2026, Vulcan signals a promising shift from experimental robotics to real-world warehouse applications.
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