Amazon has unveiled a new warehouse robot, Vulcan, capable of handling around 75 percent of its product inventory—an advancement the company describes as a major leap in robotics. Vulcan, currently being tested in Germany and the United States, uses artificial intelligence and pressure-sensitive technology to "feel" and sort items, including placing goods on difficult-to-reach shelves.
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According to Amazon's head of robotics, Aaron Parness, Vulcan represents "a technology that just three years ago seemed impossible" and is now set to transform warehouse operations. Parness states that the robot "doesn't just see the world, it feels it," enhancing both precision and adaptability.
The introduction of Vulcan is intended to improve ergonomics and safety by taking over repetitive and physically demanding tasks, not to replace human workers. "Vulcan works together with our employees, and they are better together than apart," said Parness. Amazon emphasises that humans remain essential for oversight, system management, and tasks requiring common sense.
Despite the company's reassurances, Vulcan's capabilities have raised concerns about potential job displacement in warehousing. As automation expands, the debate over technology's impact on employment intensifies. Amazon, however, argues that innovation is creating new roles rather than eliminating them.
The e-commerce giant already uses over 750,000 robots across its facilities, signalling a long-standing shift toward automation. Vulcan is expected to be rolled out globally in the coming years, reflecting Amazon's ongoing investment in advanced logistics technology.
While the company insists that human-robot collaboration remains central, Vulcan's debut highlights the growing tension between efficiency gains and job security in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Source: www.ehandel.se