Amazon expands wearable technology for last

Amazon expands wearable technology for last-mile deliveries

Amazon AMZN on Monday said it is expanding the use of smart glasses that give delivery drivers navigation and delivery instructions in their field of view, aiming to reduce reliance on smartphones during the final leg of package deliveries.

The glasses use artificial intelligence, computer vision, and cameras to provide walking directions, identify potential hazards, and support tasks such as locating packages and capturing proof of delivery, the company said.

More than 500 delivery associates have tested the technology on real routes over the past 18 months, completing more than 275,000 deliveries. Amazon AMZN said it will deploy another 5,000 devices this year and plans to have more than 20,000 in the field by the end of 2027.

The system activates when drivers safely park at a delivery location and displays information about the packages and destination. Amazon's AMZN precision geospatial technology then provides directions to the specific delivery address, including guidance through complex environments such as apartment buildings.

The glasses can also alert drivers to potential pets at delivery stops and detect when a package may have been left at the wrong address. A wearable controller includes a swappable battery and emergency button, while the glasses support prescription and light-adjusting lenses.

Use of the glasses is voluntary for delivery service partners and their drivers, Amazon AMZN said. The technology was developed with feedback from hundreds of drivers on comfort and display clarity.DisclaimerContent provided by Seeking Alpha is intended for information purposes only, and that Seeking Alpha does not offer any personalist investment advice and is not a licensed securities dealer, broker, US investment adviser or investment bank.