Amazon has announced in a post an advancement in robotics with the introduction of the Vulcan robot, its first equipped with a sense of touch. Vulcan is built upon the latest developments in engineering, physical artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and is designed to assist fulfillment center workers by making tasks safer, easier, and more efficient.
Traditional robots primarily rely solely on vision or pre-programmed motions. Vulcan, with its use of physical AI, has been taught through thousands of real-world interactions, learning how objects behave when touched and continues to learn from experience, adapting to new shapes, sizes, and materials.
It can sense contact and adjust its actions accordingly, allowing it to handle a variety of items within crowded storage compartments—an upgrade from previous robots that lacked delicate manipulation skills. By understanding when and how it makes contact with objects, Vulcan can precisely pick, place, and rearrange items without causing damage.
It’s innovative design includes force feedback sensors and specialized tooling that resemble a ruler attached to a hair straightener, enabling it to gently push aside items and insert new ones with ease. It also uses a camera-equipped arm and suction cups to identify and retrieve products for accurate handling of around three-fourths (or 75%) of items stored in fulfillment centers.
This technology not only boosts operational productivity but also enhances worker safety by reducing the need for staff to reach into high or low shelves, often requiring ladders or awkward postures. Employees working alongside Vulcan at centers in around the world have reported that it helps them focus on more ergonomic tasks, improving overall workplace conditions.
Amazon plans to deploy the Vulcan robot in the coming years. By integrating touch-sensitive capabilities into robotics, Amazon is taking a significant step toward safer, more efficient warehouse operations and paving the way for the future of smarter and more collaborative technology.
Learn more about Amazon’s Vulcan innovation on their website.
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