Amazon develops smart glasses to aid delivery drivers

Amazon is developing smart glasses for its delivery workers that capture photos every few seconds during shifts. The images will be evaluated by human reviewers and by Wellspring, the company's generative artificial intelligence system used to map neighborhoods and generate delivery routes. First presented in October of last year, the device features a display built into the right lens to show package information and guide couriers to precise drop-off points.

According to Viraj Chatterjee, head of the smart glasses launch at Amazon, the device will take snapshots with quality equivalent to or lower than standard proof-of-delivery photos, as stated to Bloomberg. The device will document surroundings, including people nearby and private properties. Amazon will blur visible faces and license plates before human review, although users cannot view or delete the footage, and the company has not specified how long it will store the records.

The glasses include a privacy button to stop photo captures in areas such as restrooms, schools, or military facilities, leaving manual activation to the driver. Amazon noted it may turn over captured photos to authorities upon receiving a court order.

The rollout will begin late this year with 5,000 delivery drivers and expand to 20,000 workers by late 2027. Use of the hardware will remain voluntary for both delivery service partners and drivers.