Technology

Amazon has introduced smart delivery glasses for its Delivery Associates, aimed at enhancing route safety and efficiency. The wearable technology allows drivers to detect hazards and follow directions, enabling package scanning without the need for a handheld device.

The glasses employ AI-powered computer vision and sensors to project information directly in the driver’s line of sight. Once safely parked, the display activates, showing delivery details such as package-to-address assignments. The system also provides walking navigation through Amazon’s geospatial technology for complex areas like apartment buildings or gated communities.

Extensive testing by hundreds of Delivery Associates contributed to optimizing the glasses’ comfort and design. The glasses feature a swappable battery for extended use, support for prescription lenses, and a safety button to alert emergency services.

Amazon has invested $16.7 billion in its Delivery Service Partner program since 2018, with $1.9 billion allocated to safety tools and technology. Future iterations of the glasses may include features for detecting package drop defects and alerting drivers to nearby hazards such as pets or low light conditions.

Automation in Fulfillment Centers

Amazon is implementing two new systems, Blue Jay and Project Eluna, within its fulfillment centers to improve operational efficiency. Blue Jay is a robotics system that uses multiple arms to pick, sort, and pack items concurrently, consolidating three assembly lines into one. This system is being tested in South Carolina and allows employees to focus on quality control and problem-solving tasks.

Project Eluna, an AI model being deployed in Tennessee, analyzes real-time and historical warehouse data, providing natural language insights to operations teams. This assists in quickly identifying and resolving bottlenecks and supports safety planning by suggesting ergonomic rotations and maintenance schedules.

Driver Training Innovations

Amazon has incorporated virtual reality training into its Integrated Last Mile Driver Academies to prepare drivers for real-world scenarios. Over 300,000 drivers have completed the VR training since 2022. The program will expand to more than 95 delivery stations across North America by Dec 2026.

The latest training module, EVOLVE, launched in Colorado, Maryland, and Florida, simulates driving conditions, offers instant feedback, and trains defensive driving techniques. More than 6,000 new drivers have completed this simulator training, with over 90% participating in behind-the-wheel sessions. The EVOLVE module will be available at 40 training sites by the end of 2026.

Delivery Speed Enhancements

Amazon aims to achieve its fastest global delivery speeds by 2025, supported by a $4 billion investment in expanding its rural delivery network and Same-Day and Next-Day services. AI-driven demand prediction optimizes inventory placement, further reducing delivery times.

Amazon Pharmacy utilizes this system for same-day medication deliveries in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Additional delivery innovations include e-cargo bikes for urban routes and drones for remote areas in Arizona.

Sustainability is prioritized, with the Sacramento fulfillment center certified as Zero Carbon, demonstrating the coexistence of rapid delivery and environmental responsibility. The company also offers same-day delivery for perishable grocery items, increasing convenience for customers.

AI Applications Beyond Delivery

Amazon is leveraging AI to enhance operational sustainability. Its Packaging Decision Engine has eliminated 4.2 million metric tons of packaging waste since 2015. Additionally, Project P.I. employs AI for quality control, identifying defects before shipping to minimize waste from returns.

During disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, Amazon’s Disaster Relief team utilized AI to analyze drone imagery, aiding first responders. The company is also collaborating with X-energy to power data infrastructure using small modular nuclear reactors, expected to generate sufficient clean energy for 3.8 million homes annually in the United States by 2039.

Amazon’s global water program includes over 30 replenishment projects and promotes recycled cooling systems in data centers. These innovations are part of a long-term strategy to operate AI systems responsibly while reducing energy and water consumption.