It may take a few minutes for drivers to find packages in a van at each stop. Just imagine how much that time adds up when delivering to over a hundred Amazon customers a day.
Amazon is now stepping delivery up a level.
Vision-assisted package retrieval (VAPR), an AI-powered solution, now eliminates the need for delivery drivers to organize packages by stop, read labels, or manually check key details like customer names or addresses.
Driver alert! Now, drivers can simply follow VAPR’s green light, grab the package, and go.
How did this Amazon mission start?
The idea for VAPR came in early 2020 when a team at Amazon Transportation envisioned using technology to help drivers behind the scenes.
John Colucci, product manager at Amazon Transportation, says the business had to consider factors unique to the delivery process, like lighting and space inside vans.
After a few years and feedback from drivers testing the tech, VAPR is set to be deployed in 1,000 Amazon Rivian electric delivery vans by early 2025.
VAPR simplifies the delivery process:
- Clear package identification: VAPR projects a green “O” on packages for that stop and a red “X” on all others.
- Driver prompts: Audio and visual cues confirm the correct packages are found before the driver even enters the cargo area.
- Hands-free operation: VAPR eliminates the need for drivers to use a mobile device during the process.
AI-powered package recognition
VAPR uses Amazon Robotics Identification (AR-ID), a computer vision system first developed for fulfillment centers.
It identifies items without manual barcode scanning, processing multiple barcodes in real time.
Trained through machine learning, VAPR recognizes labels and packages in various conditions, optimized for in-van use with light projectors and cameras.
It’s integrated with the van’s navigation system and powered by AWS technologies like SageMaker and IoT Greengrass.
NOW READ: Starship and Bolt power up robot grocery deliveries
Photo Credit: Amazon
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
