Amazon's Vulcan Robot Raises Job Displacement Concerns

Amazon has introduced Vulcan, a warehouse robot featuring vision and advanced force-feedback sensors that allows it to handle about 75% of items with human-like dexterity, reducing the need for humans to perform ergonomically challenging tasks. Vulcan safely navigates cluttered shelves and is expected to enhance operational efficiency and workplace safety. The robot's rollout in the US and Europe has raised concerns about the displacement of blue-collar jobs, as experts warn automation may lead to job losses even as it creates new opportunities. Amazon highlights the creation of roles in robotics maintenance and monitoring and provides training to help employees transition into these higher-skilled positions. Despite automation's advance, Amazon asserts that full automation is not the goal and that human-machine collaboration remains essential. Experts caution that transitions may be particularly difficult for unskilled workers impacted by automation.