Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced on Wednesday the development of AI-powered smart glasses designed for its delivery drivers. The technology aims to provide a hands-free experience for drivers, streamlining tasks such as package scanning, navigation, and proof-of-delivery capture, according to the e-commerce giant.
The glasses leverage AI-powered sensing capabilities, computer vision, and integrated cameras to project relevant information directly into a driver's line of sight. This includes turn-by-turn walking directions, identification of potential hazards, and detailed delivery tasks, thereby reducing the need for drivers to frequently consult their mobile devices.
Amazon states that the glasses activate automatically upon a driver's arrival at a delivery location. They are designed to assist in locating packages within the vehicle and provide guided navigation, particularly in complex environments such as multi-unit apartment complexes and business sites. The device pairs with a controller worn on the delivery vest, which houses operational controls, a swappable battery, and a dedicated emergency button. The company also noted that the glasses support prescription and transitional lenses.
The smart glasses are currently being trialed with delivery drivers across North America, with Amazon planning further refinement before a broader deployment. Future enhancements are expected to include "real-time defect detection" to prevent misdeliveries, as well as the ability to identify pets in yards and automatically adapt to varying light conditions. Reuters previously reported on Amazon's development of driver eyeglasses last year.
Concurrently, Amazon also unveiled other AI-driven innovations on Wednesday. These include "Blue Jay," a new robotic arm designed to assist warehouse employees with item picking and sorting, and "Eluna," an AI tool intended to provide operational insights within Amazon's warehouse facilities. These announcements underscore the company's ongoing investment in artificial intelligence across its logistics and supply chain operations.
