Amazon Unveils VAPR: AI Streamlines Delivery for Drivers
For Amazon delivery drivers, the time spent sorting packages at each stop adds up. To address this, Amazon is introducing Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR), an innovative, AI-powered solution designed to make the delivery process more efficient.
VAPR eliminates the need for drivers to organize packages by stop, read labels, or manually check identifiers. Instead, drivers simply look for a green light, grab the designated package, and go. The technology is expected to save drivers significant time and effort, leading to more efficient deliveries.
The concept of VAPR began in early 2020. John Colucci, a product manager at Amazon Transportation, explained that the team considered unique factors of the delivery experience, like lighting and space constraints inside delivery vans. After several years of development and based on feedback from drivers testing the technology the company plans to roll out VAPR in 1,000 of Amazon’s electric delivery vans from Rivian by early 2025.
How VAPR Works
When a van arrives at a delivery location, VAPR uses visual cues to identify the correct packages. The system projects a green “O” on packages for that stop and a red “X” on all other packages. This audio and visual confirmation prompts the driver before they enter the cargo area. Furthermore, the technology removes the need to use a mobile device throughout the process.
“Before, it could take me anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes to empty a tote and organize packages for the next stops. Now, with VAPR, this whole step just takes me about a minute,” said Bobby Garcia, a driver with Bloomfield Logistics, who has been testing VAPR in the North Boston, Massachusetts area. “It’s made my life so much easier.”
The Technology Behind VAPR
VAPR leverages Amazon Robotics Identification (AR-ID), a computer vision technology initially designed for fulfillment centers. AR-ID facilitates the automatic identification of items. It replaces the need for manual barcode scanning by locating and deciphering multiple barcodes in real-time. Machine-learning models were trained to recognize various labels and packages, and in-van lighting conditions. Specialized automotive light projectors and cameras are integrated with the delivery route navigation system.
Several Amazon Web Services (AWS) technologies support VAPR’s functionality, including the SageMaker machine learning platform and IoT Greengrass.
Benefits of VAPR
VAPR is designed to significantly streamline the delivery process. It enables drivers to concentrate on providing a great customer experience and improves delivery accuracy.
“VAPR always finds the right packages,” stated Stephen Harry, Delivery Service Partner (DSP) and owner of Bloomfield Logistics.
Early tests have shown significant improvements. Based on these, there was a 67% reduction in perceived physical and mental effort for drivers and a time savings of more than 30 minutes per route.
Ultimately, by saving time and effort, VAPR aims to enhance the experience for Amazon’s 390,000 DSP drivers and the millions of packages delivered daily by its fleet of over 100,000 vans.
