Amazon has unveiled Vulcan, a robotic system with a sense of touch, marking a significant advancement in its fulfillment center operations. Introduced at the Delivering the Future event in Dortmund, Germany, Vulcan is designed to make workers’ jobs safer and more efficient while streamlining order processing.

A Robot That Feels

Unlike traditional industrial robots, which often lack the ability to sense contact and may stop or cause damage upon unexpected interactions, Vulcan uses force feedback sensors and specialized “end of arm tooling” to manipulate objects with precision. This allows it to pick and stow items in crowded storage pods, handling up to 75% of the diverse inventory found in Amazon’s fulfillment centers at speeds comparable to human workers.

Vulcan’s design includes a ruler-like tool to nudge items within compartments and paddle-like arms with conveyor belts to place items securely. For picking, it employs a camera and suction cup system, ensuring accurate selection without disturbing neighboring items. This dexterity enables Vulcan to access hard-to-reach areas, such as the top rows of storage pods, reducing the need for employees to use ladders and improving workplace ergonomics.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

Vulcan is already operational in fulfillment centers in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany, where it focuses on tasks that are physically demanding or less ergonomic, such as reaching high shelves or stowing items near the floor. By taking on these tasks, Vulcan allows employees to work in more comfortable positions, enhancing safety and reducing fatigue.

“Working alongside Vulcan, we can pick and stow with greater ease,” says Kari Freitas Hardy, a front-line employee at Amazon’s Spokane facility. The robot also fosters skill development, with many employees transitioning to technical roles as they collaborate with the technology.

A Thoughtful Approach to Innovation

Amazon’s development of Vulcan reflects its problem-solving philosophy: identify operational challenges and create tailored solutions. The robot’s capabilities stem from years of research into force feedback sensors, physical AI, and stereo vision systems. Trained on real-world data, Vulcan learns from its interactions, steadily improving its ability to handle diverse items, from fragile electronics to soft goods like socks.

Aaron Parness, Amazon’s director of applied science, emphasizes the collaborative potential: “Vulcan works alongside our employees, and the combination is better than either on their own.” This human-robot partnership underscores Amazon’s commitment to using technology to support its workforce while boosting efficiency.

Scaling for the Future

Amazon plans to deploy Vulcan across its network in the United States and Europe over the next few years, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and worker safety on a large scale. By automating repetitive tasks, Vulcan enables faster order processing, helping Amazon maintain its wide selection and competitive pricing.

Vulcan represents a practical step forward in robotics, blending innovation with a focus on employee well-being and operational excellence. As Amazon continues to integrate such technologies, it sets a precedent for how automation can complement human work in modern fulfillment environments.