Amazon has introduced a prototype of smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence, specifically designed for its delivery drivers. Named “Amelia,” these glasses feature a camera and a built-in display and are paired with a waistcoat equipped with a button that drivers can use to capture photos of deliveries.
Beryl Tomay, Amazon’s vice president of Transportation, stated at a launch event in Silicon Valley that the company is currently testing the glasses at various locations with over a dozen delivery service partners and hundreds of drivers throughout the U.S. The product is intended solely for delivery drivers at this stage, not for general consumer use.
While Amazon is still in the experimental phase, it plans to make the smart glasses available to drivers first in North America, followed by a global rollout. Tomay mentioned that drivers have been using these glasses during actual deliveries, underscoring their design tailored for this specific function. When asked whether the Amelia glasses might eventually be offered to consumers, Tomay did not dismiss the possibility.
Amazon joins other tech companies, such as Meta, in exploring wearable technology. Recently, Meta showcased smart glasses featuring its Meta AI technology at the Meta Connect conference, targeting the mainstream consumer market, unlike Amazon’s more niche approach.
The Amelia glasses are designed to enhance efficiency in the “last mile” of the delivery process. Tomay noted that the glasses can detect when drivers are in a moving vehicle, automatically turning off to minimize distractions. She estimated that the glasses could potentially save drivers up to 30 minutes in tasks per 8- to 10-hour shift by helping them locate packages more quickly. Additionally, a hardware switch on the controller allows drivers to deactivate the glasses and its sensors, providing an option for them to keep the device turned off if they choose.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rpzrrgqvlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss