Amazon has introduced a groundbreaking addition to its fleet of warehouse robots: Vulcan, the company’s first robot equipped with a sense of touch. This innovation was unveiled alongside several other new robots at Amazon’s Delivering the Future event in Germany.
Unlike traditional industrial robots, Vulcan uses force feedback sensors to detect how much pressure it applies when handling objects—preventing damage by adjusting its grip in real time. Aaron Parness, Amazon’s director of applied science, explained the significance of this advancement: “In the past, industrial robots either stopped abruptly or forced their way through unexpected contact because they couldn’t sense it. Vulcan changes that. It doesn’t just see the world—it feels it, unlocking capabilities we couldn’t achieve before.”
The robot relies on AI trained with physical touch and force data, allowing it to recognize different products, determine handling methods, and locate storage space efficiently. Amazon reports that Vulcan has already mastered thousands of tasks, from moving delicate electronics to picking up soft items like socks. Over time, the system learns from mistakes, continuously improving its performance.
Beyond efficiency, Amazon emphasizes worker safety as a key benefit. Vulcan is designed to handle inventory stored at extreme heights (around eight feet) and near the floor, reducing the need for employees to climb ladders or crouch repeatedly. The company says the robot is already operational in fulfillment centers in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany.
This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny over Amazon’s workplace safety record, with critics questioning whether automation can truly mitigate risks for human workers. Still, Vulcan represents a notable step forward in robotics, blending AI, touch sensitivity, and adaptability to reshape warehouse operations.