Amazon’s New Robot “Vulcan”: A Next-Generation Warehouse Robot with Touch

Hello, this is the AI Research team at GDX Inc.

In this article, we take a closer look at Vulcan, Amazon’s next-generation warehouse robot announced in May 2025. As a robot equipped with a sense of touch, Vulcan is set to redefine warehouse automation and make a significant impact on the logistics industry.

Introduction

The automation of warehouse operations has accelerated in recent years, driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce. Amazon has previously introduced innovations such as the Kiva system and the robotic arm Sparrow, but Vulcan takes automation a step further by integrating these technologies with the ability to mimic the human sense of touch. So, what exactly makes Vulcan so revolutionary?
http://xtech.nikkei.com/atcl/nxt/column/18/02252/112300002/

Technical Features of Vulcan

The defining feature of Vulcan is its tactile sensors. These sensors allow the robot to detect hardness, shape, and slipperiness, enabling it to grip objects with just the right amount of force. Traditional robots, which relied heavily on vision systems and mechanical grippers, often struggled with irregularly shaped or fragile items. Vulcan, however, can handle such delicate tasks with precision.

Another key feature is AI-driven real-time motion optimization. By analyzing past performance data, Vulcan continuously learns and adjusts its movements, improving operational efficiency. This capability is powered by Amazon’s vast logistics data and cloud computing infrastructure.
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/operations/amazon-vulcan-robot-pick-stow-touch

Background and Purpose of Deployment

Amazon faces growing challenges of labor shortages and increasingly complex operations in its fulfillment centers worldwide. During peak shopping seasons in particular, the demand for workers in picking and packing surges. Vulcan is designed to address these issues.。

In fact, trial deployments in several U.S. warehouses have already shown promising results, with reports indicating a 25% improvement in efficiency compared to previous systems. Amazon plans to roll out Vulcan to major facilities worldwide in the coming years.
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/operations/amazon-vulcan-robot-pick-stow-touch

Impact on Society and Future Outlook

The introduction of Vulcan has implications beyond logistics. Its tactile technology opens possibilities for use in manufacturing, healthcare, elder care, and disaster response—fields where delicate handling is essential and robots have traditionally faced limitations.

At the same time, concerns remain about the impact on employment. While Amazon emphasizes that “robots are meant to complement human work, not replace it,” the automation of repetitive tasks will inevitably accelerate shifts in the skills required for human workers.
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/operations/amazon-vulcan-robot-pick-stow-touch

Conclusion

Amazon’s Vulcan is more than just another step toward warehouse efficiency—it represents a new generation of autonomous robots that can “feel” like humans. Its adoption is expected to reshape not only logistics but also a wide range of industries. How technology and people will evolve together in this new era remains an important question, and one well worth watching.