Amazon has taken a major step forward in automating its logistics operations with the launch of Vulcan, its first robot capable of operating with a sense of touch. This new system is designed to improve efficiency and ergonomics in storage and order preparation tasks at the company’s distribution centers.
The development of Vulcan was made possible by advances in robotics, engineering, and physical artificial intelligence.
Key Features of Vulcan
Vulcan’s design allows it to manipulate objects with greater precision and care, thanks to its ability to detect physical contact and adjust the force it applies based on the type of product. The robot uses flat grippers and suction cups, which it can switch between depending on the object it needs to handle.
Aaron Parness, director of applied science at Amazon, notes that one of the biggest challenges in developing Vulcan was achieving “this level of physical intelligence, the ability to see and feel and navigate a cluttered space with the hand without damaging any of the surrounding objects.”
How Vulcan Works
The robot is equipped with pressure sensors on its grippers, which prevent it from crushing objects. For example, if it needs to pick up a fragile package, the sensors will detect the pressure and adjust the grip accordingly.
Parness believes that Vulcan represents a significant leap forward in robotics. “We’re entering a golden age for robotics,” he says. “AI allows us to develop systems that can perform increasingly complex tasks and helps robots perceive and understand their environment, plan their movements.”
- Vulcan can handle delicate objects with precision.
- It can adjust its grip based on the object it is handling.
- The robot is designed to work in cluttered environments.
Vulcan was unveiled at Amazon’s “Delivering the Future” event in Dortmund, Germany, on May 7, 2025. The event showcased the company’s latest innovations in logistics and robotics.