Amazon has developed a robot named Vulcan with a sense of touch for its warehouses, which is described as a 'fundamental leap forward in robotics' by Aaron Parness, Amazon's director of robotics.
The robot can identify objects by touch using AI and will be deployed worldwide to help in sorting items for storage and delivery.
Vulcan will be able to stow items on upper and lower levels of shelving units, reducing the need for human workers to use ladders or bend frequently.
The introduction of such robots raises concerns about potential job losses as retailers decrease human involvement in distribution centers.
Economists predict that automation could lead to the disappearance of millions of jobs worldwide by 2030 due to the development of generative AI.
Despite this, Tye Brady, chief technologist of robotics at Amazon, emphasizes that robots are meant to complement human workers, not fully replace them.
Brady highlights the importance of human involvement in detecting and preventing potential system hacks, as well as identifying issues like broken items in deliveries.
He also mentions that AI is helping create robots that can navigate spaces autonomously, learn from humans, and work alongside them safely.
Amazon is also incorporating technology to develop custom packaging using machine-learning and automation to reduce waste.
In addition to advancing in robotics, Amazon recently launched its low-cost Amazon Haul site in the UK, offering products for £20 or less to compete with other budget retailers.