Overview

• Vulcan, Amazon's first robot with a sense of touch, uses force-feedback sensors and AI to handle items delicately and efficiently.
• The robot is currently operational in fulfillment centers in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany, with plans for broader deployment across the US and Europe in the coming years.
• Amazon emphasizes Vulcan as a collaborative tool designed to reduce physical strain on workers by handling tasks like reaching high shelves or bending to floor-level storage.
• The robot can operate up to 20 hours a day, handle items weighing up to 8 pounds, and process 75% of inventory at speeds comparable to human workers.
• Amazon asserts that Vulcan will create new technical job opportunities, such as maintenance and robotics support roles, and offers training programs to upskill employees.