Amazon's New Robot: A Touch of Innovation in Warehousing

Amazon Unveils Vulcan: A New “Feeling” Warehouse Robot

Amazon has announced the creation of Vulcan, a novel warehouse robot distinguished by its ability to perceive tactile sensations when handling objects.

This two-armed robot is designed for navigating and manipulating items within Amazon’s warehouse storage systems. It utilizes force sensors to detect contact with objects, enhancing its operational precision.

How Vulcan Operates

Vulcan’s functionality is divided between its two arms. One arm is dedicated to reorganizing items within storage compartments.

The second arm, equipped with both a camera and a suction cup, is responsible for securely grasping and retrieving items.

Training and Deployment

Amazon states that Vulcan underwent extensive training utilizing physical data, encompassing both force and tactile feedback.

This training has enabled the robot to effectively handle approximately 75% of Amazon’s current inventory. Furthermore, Vulcan possesses the capacity for continuous self-improvement through ongoing operation.

Currently, Vulcan is operational in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany. To date, it has successfully processed over 500,000 customer orders.

Amazon’s Robotics Strategy

Vulcan represents the newest addition to Amazon’s substantial fleet of warehouse robots.

Hundreds of thousands of robots are currently deployed across Amazon’s global network of fulfillment centers to facilitate order fulfillment.

Despite concerns raised by some that Amazon’s investment in robotics is intended to reduce its human workforce, Amazon maintains that these robots are implemented to enhance warehouse safety.

The company argues that robots like Vulcan complement, rather than replace, human employees.