#Industry40

Amazon’s latest step in warehouse automation has reignited a critical discussion about the future of human work in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and robots. The unveiling of the company’s “Vulcan” robot — capable of “feeling” and performing complex tasks — not only signals Amazon’s ambition to automate physically demanding warehouse duties, but also offers a rare and telling glimpse into the new kinds of jobs that may emerge as AI reshapes the labour market. For Thai workers and businesses, this development holds significant lessons as the Kingdom seeks to navigate its own technological transformation.

Amazon’s introduction of the Vulcan robot is accelerating a global debate about how humans will work alongside AI and machines. The device is designed to handle physically demanding tasks while also supporting new roles in maintenance and oversight. For Thai workers and businesses, the story offers a blueprint for navigating automation while safeguarding livelihoods.

The company says Vulcan can reduce repetitive and ergonomically risky work, such as reaching high shelves or constant bending. Alongside this, Amazon announced retraining programs to help staff acquire skills in robotics maintenance and related fields. Company figures note that robots now fulfill a large share of order fulfillment tasks and have spurred the creation of new job categories like robotic floor monitors and onsite reliability maintenance engineers. The World Economic Forum has suggested that while AI and automation may displace millions of jobs globally, they could also generate substantial new opportunities.