Amazon Develops Smart Glasses To Accelerate Package Delivery To Customers

Amelia, smart glasses from Amazon (photo: x @sleon ·)

JAKARTA - Amazon is currently developing a new technology in the form of smart glasses specifically for delivery drivers, with the aim of helping them direct and navigate in the field, even inside the building, in order to speed up the delivery process.

According to information from five trusted sources, these glasses, if successfully launched, will display real-time directions on the small screen on one of the lenses, which helps drivers when taking turns or avoiding barriers on routes, such as gates or guard dogs.

This technology, known for its internal code 'Amelia', aims to save important seconds in each shipment. Amazon hopes that this tool can overcome the "last 100 yards" challenge towards the customer's door, one of the most expensive and complicated parts of the delivery process. With this technology integration plan, smart glasses are expected to be able to help drivers carry more packages while reducing dependence on handheld GPS devices, making it more efficient in terms of time and power.

While potentially large in efficiency, the project faces various obstacles. One of them is battery resistance, which is currently still a major challenge. Amazon needs to ensure that batteries can last up to eight hours to meet standard work duration without causing any discomfort to the driver. In addition, the complete data collection process on each relevant home, road, and area takes years.

Sources familiar with the project also added that convincing thousands of drivers to be willing to wear these glasses is not an easy task. The factors of comfort, risk of disruption, and the need for some drivers who already use corrective glasses are of major concern. Even so, because most Amazon drivers are contract workers, Amazon can require the use of these glasses through cooperation agreements with partner delivery service companies.

Amazon's move marks efforts to increase the efficiency of shipping costs per package, particularly amid intense competition with Walmart, which is now expanding its e-commerce network and offering additional incentives for drivers to deliver online orders during the holiday season.

In recent years, Amazon has invested heavily in its internal logistics networks, such as the operation of aircraft fleets, long-distance trucks, and distribution centers in suburban areas. The goal is to accelerate delivery and reduce dependence on external couriers such as UPS and FedEx.

In the third quarter of this year, Amazon's shipping costs increased 8% to USD 23.5 billion, demonstrating the importance of efforts to reduce this spending.

Frames Development

These driver smart glasses will develop the technology of Echo Frames products, smart glasses that have been released previously and allow users to listen to audio and access Alexa virtual assistants. Some sources say that the mini screen on these delivery glasses is also planned for use in the next Echo Frames generation, which is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026.

Although the current sales of Echo Frames are not too high, Amazon remains optimistic about innovating on this product to meet the needs of shipping drivers, while providing a better and more practical user experience.