Smart glasses to help Amazon drivers through urban maze

Amazon is reportedly developing smart eyeglasses designed to assist its delivery drivers in navigating buildings and guiding them to, around, and within customer locations. The project, which is still under development, aims to provide drivers with turn-by-turn navigation through a small embedded screen on the glasses. This could potentially streamline the delivery process by offering precise directions, such as when to turn left or right after exiting elevators or avoiding obstacles like gates or dogs.

If successful, the smart glasses could help drivers save time by offering more efficient guidance during the "final stretch" of a delivery, which could result in fewer delays and faster overall delivery times. In turn, this would allow drivers to carry more packages, as they would no longer need to use handheld GPS devices. The initiative appears to be part of Amazon's broader effort to reduce delivery costs and enhance margins in the face of increasing competition from retailers like Walmart, which is boosting its e-commerce efforts and offering new incentives to independent drivers.

‘Amelia’ in Echo Frames

The smart glasses project, codenamed "Amelia", is reportedly based on Amazon's existing Echo Frames platform. Unlike the current Echo Frames, which are audio-only, the new version is expected to feature an embedded display for more precise navigation instructions. Amazon is also exploring adding camera functionality, which could allow drivers to take photos of deliveries as proof of completion.

Lightweight, comfort, battery life — challenges ahead

However, the development of these smart glasses faces several challenges. One of the key hurdles is ensuring that the glasses are lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear while also providing enough battery life to last a full shift. Another issue is the compatibility of the glasses with existing prescription lenses, as many drivers already wear corrective eyewear. Additionally, convincing Amazon's vast and varied delivery network — including third-party contractors — to adopt the technology could prove difficult.

Embedded screen for next generation

While the smart glasses could have applications within Amazon's own delivery system, it remains unclear whether the company plans to expand the technology to other businesses. The technology could also potentially make its way to consumer products in the future, as Amazon is reportedly working on an embedded screen for the next generation of Echo Frames, expected to launch in 2026.

The report, which comes from Reuters, also notes that the previous generation of Echo Frames struggled to gain traction in the consumer market, with fewer than 10,000 units sold. It seems like Amazon's shift towards enterprise use of the technology follows a similar path taken by other companies, such as Google and Microsoft, with their smart glasses and AR headsets.