Amazon’s Vulcan Robot Feels Objects Just Like Human Hands

Amazon has developed a new robot called Vulcan that can feel objects similar to human hands. The robot uses special sensors that detect force hundreds of times each second. This technology lets Vulcan handle fragile items carefully and create space in packed storage areas. Unlike humans, these robot hands don’t experience pain when touching objects. Amazon’s innovation marks a significant advancement in warehouse automation. What might this mean for the future of human workers?

In a breakthrough for warehouse robotics, Amazon has revealed Vulcan, its first robot with a sense of touch. Announced on May 7, 2025, Vulcan marks a major step forward in Amazon’s robotics program by using force feedback sensors that allow it to understand when it makes contact with objects.

Vulcan’s design includes what Amazon calls “end of arm tooling” that resembles a ruler attached to a hair straightener. It features a thin metal “spatula” extension and paddles that help manipulate items. The robot can detect how much force it’s applying when handling products, providing feedback hundreds of times per second.

The robot’s sensitive spatula and paddle design lets it feel its way through storage tasks with remarkable precision.

Unlike Amazon’s earlier robots like Sparrow or Proteus, Vulcan specializes in creating space in crowded storage compartments. It works with standard inventory pods divided into foot-square compartments that typically hold up to 10 items each. The robot pushes items around to make room for new ones without damaging anything in the process.

Amazon engineers described the challenge of creating Vulcan as a “beautiful problem.” They tested several robot arm models before finding the right one. The team knew from the start that “compliant manipulation” technology would be key to success. They combined this with visual perception systems and machine learning to help the robot decide where and how to make space.

Vulcan doesn’t replace human workers. Instead, it collaborates with employees, allowing them to focus on more important tasks rather than repetitive stowing. The robot enhances Amazon’s existing fulfillment center operations and improves efficiency in inventory storage. Approximately 75% of orders are fulfilled with robotic assistance alongside human workers.

This advancement sets Amazon apart from competitors in warehouse automation. Vulcan’s ability to use touch sensitivity similar to human dexterity solves challenges that previous robots couldn’t handle. It moves items with greater finesse, stopping short when necessary to prevent damage.

With Vulcan, Amazon continues to improve safety and efficiency in its fulfillment centers while revealing new ways to enhance operations. According to Aaron Parness, the project leader, this technology was considered impossible three years prior to its development.