Amazon Unveils AI-Powered Smart Glasses for Delivery Drivers
Amazon has introduced a prototype of its latest innovation, AI-powered smart glasses called Amelia, designed specifically to support its delivery drivers.
The wearable technology, which comes with a camera and built-in display, pairs with a waistcoat featuring a button that allows drivers to capture photos of completed deliveries.
According to Beryl Tomay, Amazon’s Vice President of Transportation, the company is already testing the device across several locations in partnership with “over a dozen delivery service partners and hundreds of drivers” nationwide.
“We custom-designed it for that use case,” Tomay said during the launch event in Silicon Valley, adding that drivers have already been using the glasses during real deliveries.
While Amazon is still in the testing phase, the tech giant plans to roll out the smart glasses to drivers across North America first, before expanding globally. When asked if the product might eventually be made available to consumers, Tomay did not rule out the possibility.
The Amelia glasses are designed to enhance safety and efficiency during deliveries. The glasses automatically shut off when they detect motion inside a vehicle to prevent distractions. They also include a manual switch that allows drivers to disable the device’s camera and microphone at any time.
Tomay noted that the device could save up to 30 minutes per shift by reducing repetitive tasks and helping drivers quickly locate packages.
In addition to the smart glasses, Amazon also unveiled a robotic arm aimed at improving parcel sorting in warehouses and reducing employee injuries. The robot, currently operational in South Carolina, works alongside human staff to enhance speed and space efficiency.
The company is also preparing to roll out a new AI warehouse management system designed to anticipate workflow bottlenecks and streamline operations using real-time and historical data.
With the introduction of Amelia, Amazon joins the growing list of tech companies – including Meta, which recently launched its own AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses – experimenting with wearable technology. However, unlike Meta’s consumer-focused approach, Amazon’s device is built to boost efficiency in the “last mile” of its delivery network.
