Amazon Considers Augmented Reality Glasses for Drivers Ahead of Robotic Era

Amazon is reportedly developing smart glasses, modeled after Echo Frames, for its delivery personnel. Codenamed "Amelia," these glasses aim to enhance navigation and reduce reliance on handheld GPS, representing a promising yet uncertain project.

Smart Glasses for Amazon Delivery Personnel?

Sources close to Reuters reveal that Amazon is developing smart glasses for its delivery personnel. These glasses, an extension of the existing Echo Frames, aim to save “a few seconds” per delivery.

A Technology to Optimize Deliveries

Internally code-named “Amelia,” these glasses could enhance delivery efficiency in several ways. They would feature a built-in display to guide delivery personnel both inside and outside buildings, and provide “turn-by-turn” navigation instructions while driving. Additionally, the use of these augmented reality (AR) glasses would eliminate the need for handheld GPS devices, allowing couriers to carry more packages simultaneously.

An Uncertain Project

However, the project’s future is not guaranteed. According to Reuters sources, the glasses might be scrapped if they fail to meet initial expectations or prove too costly to produce. Even if successful, it could take years before wearing these glasses becomes mandatory for Amazon’s delivery personnel. Currently, the company faces challenges in integrating a battery that lasts a full workday and designing glasses that do not cause user fatigue.

Amazon told Reuters that it “continuously innovates to create an even safer and better delivery experience for drivers,” but declined to comment on the existence of these AR glasses. “We do not comment on our product roadmap,” said a spokesperson.

A Mixed Track Record

It’s worth noting that the Echo Frames have not been a huge success for Amazon. According to the same report, only 10,000 units of the third-generation glasses have been sold since last year.