Amazon Debuts AI-Powered Package Retrieval System
Amazon is implementing a new technology that uses artificial intelligence to assist its delivery drivers in locating packages within their vans. The system, known as Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR), aims to improve efficiency, reduce driver effort, and enhance the accuracy of deliveries.
The company plans to integrate VAPR into 1,000 electric delivery vans by early 2025. The technology has undergone testing with delivery drivers.
Using the VAPR system, drivers can quickly identify the packages needed for each stop through the use of a green light that illuminates the correct packages. By integrating an automotive light projector, the system also provides an “X” light to identify packages that are not for the current delivery location.
Based on its pilot program with drivers, Amazon found that VAPR cuts drivers’ perceived physical and mental effort by 67% and saves more than 30 minutes per route, according to the release.
One of the delivery drivers who tested the system, Bobby Garcia of Bloomfield Logistics, commented on the time-saving aspect. “Before, it could take me anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes to empty a tote and organize packages for the next stops,” Garcia says. “Now, with VAPR, this whole step just takes me about a minute.”
Stephen Harry, owner of Bloomfield Logistics, highlighted the improved accuracy enabled by the new technology as well. “VAPR always finds the right packages,” said Harry.
VAPR uses Amazon Robotics Identification (AR-ID), which relies on computer vision to identify items. Originally developed for use in the company’s fulfillment centers, the AR-ID technology is being expanded to improve efficiency across the delivery network. Amazon’s AR-ID system uses AI-powered scanning with computer vision and machine learning, and it operates at 120 frames per second.
Amazon has more than 100,000 delivery vans operating worldwide.
