Amazon has announced a new technology designed to simplify package deliveries, aiming to reduce the time and effort required for drivers to sort and locate parcels.
The technology, known as Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR), is intended to streamline the process of identifying and retrieving packages at each stop, according to Doug Herrington, Amazon’s retail chief. Herrington made the announcement at a company event held in Nashville on Wednesday.
Amazon plans to deploy the VAPR technology in 1,000 delivery vans by early next year. The system functions by projecting a green “0” on packages intended for delivery at a specific location, and a red “X” on those that should remain in the van. In addition to visual cues, the system also incorporates audio alerts to confirm the correct package has been located, the company said.
The e-commerce giant has been testing the VAPR system with its Delivery Service Partners, which handle package deliveries across the country. Early trials indicate that the technology has reduced both the physical and mental strain on drivers, saving them over 30 minutes per route, according to the company.
