In yet another nod to the future of eyewear, Amazon has demonstrated its use of advanced eyeglasses for its delivery drivers.
Following reports in Reuters, the Seattle-based company recently showed off the eyewear, which it reportedly developed itself.
Media reports said the glasses, paired with robots and artificial intelligence, were part of Amazon’s ongoing drive to speed up deliveries to customers.
Known internally as Amelia, the glasses have a small screen that gives turn-by-turn directions, scans package codes and takes photos for proof of delivery.
The company said they worked with a paired controller in a driver’s vest and could replace the bulky handheld GPS devices many currently use.
The glasses were demonstrated at Amazon’s annual Delivering the Future logistics event and are part of the firm’s focus on the “last 100 yards”, which contribute to the expensive final steps in a delivery’s journey to customers.
Ms Beryl Tomay, Amazon transportation vice president, said hundreds of delivery drivers had already tested the glasses.
“It reduces the need to manage a phone and a package,” she said at the event. “It helps them stay at attention, which enhances their safety.”
Some drivers had saved 30 minutes during a shift.
The glasses were experimental and Amazon’s plans for them were still in flux, she said.
