MILPITAS, Calif. — Amazon is bringing delivery details directly to drivers’ eyes.
E-commerce giant on Wednesday sure It is developing new augmented reality glasses for delivery drivers, using AI and computer vision to help them scan packages, follow turn-by-turn directions and capture proof of delivery.
Amazon says the goal is to create a hands-free experience, making the task safer and more seamless by reducing the need for drivers to look at a device.
Scenarios shown by the company make it clear that the devices are activated after parking, not while driving, which could help alleviate safety and regulatory concerns. But the devices also raise larger questions about the workload on drivers and the history of technology skills at Amazon’s fulfillment centers that push workers to the limits of human capacity and safety.
It’s another opportunity for the company to track and monitor work done by drivers, adding more pressure to a job that already comes with demanding delivery targets.
According to the company, the wearable system was developed with input from hundreds of drivers. It consists of a small controller worn on the driver’s shirt for operational control, a replaceable battery for all-day use and a dedicated emergency button.
The glasses are also designed to support prescription and transitional lenses. Amazon says future versions could provide real-time alerts for hazards like pets in the yard or notify drivers if they drop off a package at the wrong address.
According to Amazon, the smart glasses are an early prototype, currently undergoing initial testing with hundreds of drivers in North America. The company said it is gathering driver feedback to refine the technology before planning a wider rollout.
The announcement was made today at Amazon’s Delivering the Future event in the Bay Area A report by data That report last month also said Amazon was developing consumer AR glasses to compete with Facebook’s main Meta AI-powered Ray Ban smart glasses.
The enterprise AR market has been in flux, with early movers Microsoft moving away from HoloLens hardware, creating an opening for players like Magic Leap and Vancouver, Wash.-based Realware.
A demo video released by Amazon shows a delivery driver using augmented reality (AR) glasses throughout their workflow. It starts after the driver parks in an electric Rivian van, where the glasses overlay the next delivery address on a live street view.
“Dog on property,” the audio cue warns the driver.
After parking, the driver moves to the cargo area. The AR display then activates to help with sorting, overlaying green highlights on specific packages needed for that stop. As the driver picks each item, it is scanned and a virtual checklist updates in their view.
After retrieving all the packages from the cargo hold, the driver starts walking home. The glasses project a digital path on the ground, guiding them along the front door walkway.
Once on the porch, the display prompts the driver to “take photo” to confirm delivery. After placing the items, the driver taps a chest-mounted device to take a picture A final menu will then appear, allowing the driver to “tap to finish” the stop before returning to the van.