Amazon launches AI-powered technology to help drivers find packages

The e-commerce platform Amazon has launched a new AI based tool that will help its delivery partners with a major problem of finding the correct parcel from the cluttered package vans. 

The technology will provide a quick delivery method by reflecting green signals on the packages to be delivered at the particular stop and red on those that need to be delivered later.

During a Nashville media event that was focused on logistics and online shopping initiatives, Amazon announced the Vision Assisted Package Retrieval(VAPR) tool was in development in 2020. It will be deployed in 1,000 Amazon vans next year and is expected to reduce delivery times by about 30 minutes.

VAPR employs computer vision technology originally designed for Amazon warehouses to identify products without relying on barcode scanners. This technology is optimized for the tight spaces in delivery vans and is integrated with navigation software for delivery routes.

With the help of this tool delivery partners do not need to spend their time searching and organising the packages, unlike the traditional method where delivery partners have to read the names and addresses of the customers to organize the parcel. It will ensure they find the right package without much hustle. They simply have to look for VAPR’s green light to grab the package.

The announcement reflects Amazon’s changing priority under the command of its CEO Andy Jassy who assumed the role in 2021 replacing now Executive chief Jeff Bezos.

Bezos earlier also made several announcements that have an evolving futuristic vision like the commencement of a fleet of autonomous delivery drones, a project which is still in the testing phase for a decade since its announcement.

Since Jassy commencement as CEO, amazon has witnessed many layoffs and closed dozens of ambitious projects. The focus is on short-term goals that include cutting costs and improving the e-commerce business to attract Wall Street investors concerned about low profits.

The company relies on a network of small businesses that use 1,00,000 vans and deploy 390,000 drivers to deliver packages. By minimizing delivery times, Amazon can limit what it has to pay these delivery service partners, which typically hire drivers paid by the hour.

Other initiatives of Amazon:

Amazon has launched several initiatives to help customers, boost services, and many more. Some of them are AI Shopping Guides, the technology designed to help customers search for more than 100 kinds of products like televisions, dog food, headphones, face moisturizers, and more.

Another initiative is a cutting-edge fulfillment centre in Shreveport, Louisiana, coupling it with artificial intelligence and robotics to assist workers in picking and packing orders.