Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Amazon developing smart glasses to guide delivery drivers; here’s how they can be helpful – Times of India

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Amazon is reportedly developing smart glasses for its delivery drivers. A report by the news agency Reuters cites multiple sources familiar with the matter to claim that these smart glasses will improve the navigation and efficiency of delivery executives on their delivery routes. This initiative aims to streamline the final leg of the delivery process, ensuring packages reach customers quickly and accurately. While the project is not yet public, Amazon is planning to use this technology to optimise its delivery operations and enhance the customer experience.

How these Amazon glasses will help in deliveries

The glasses are expected to provide turn-by-turn directions on a small embedded screen, guiding drivers to delivery locations and even within buildings. The glasses would provide real-time guidance, reducing the need for drivers to consult their phones or handheld devices for directions.
These directions can help delivery drivers save valuable seconds on each delivery by guiding them left or right off elevators and around obstacles like gates or aggressive dogs. With millions of packages delivered daily, these seconds quickly accumulate. The glasses would also allow drivers to work hands-free, eliminating the need for handheld GPS devices and enabling them to carry more packages.
This project highlights the online retailer’s focus on reducing delivery costs per package and boosting margins amid growing competition from Walmart, which has ramped up its e-commerce efforts and lowered prices. The report also noted that Walmart has also announced new incentives for independent delivery drivers to handle online orders during the holiday season.

What Amazon said about these smart glasses

In a statement about the driver’s eyeglasses, an Amazon spokesperson said: “We are continuously innovating to create an even safer and better delivery experience for drivers. We otherwise don’t comment on our product roadmap.”
While Amazon is actively developing smart glasses for its delivery drivers, the project’s success is not guaranteed. As per the report, sources cautioned that the glasses could be delayed, shelved, or even scrapped entirely if they fail to meet expectations or due to unforeseen challenges. The technology may take years to perfect, and the project’s future remains uncertain.
Amazon has been steadily building its delivery network, including an airline, trucking fleet, and vast warehouses, to reduce its dependence on third-party carriers like UPS and FedEx. This strategy aims to speed up deliveries and cut costs, especially as shipping expenses continue to rise, as evidenced by the 8% increase in Amazon’s third-quarter shipping costs to $23.5 billion.

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