Amazon announced Wednesday that it will soon add new AI-powered package search technology to its electric vehicle fleet. Vision-based technology is designed to help drivers prioritize their loads.
Visually Assisted Package Search (VAPR) works by highlighting packages designated for delivery at the current stop with a green circle or red light. The company says this technology eliminates the need for drivers to stop and shuffle around the van each time to search for the relevant load.
There's also an audio cue that alerts the driver if they've selected the right package. The company notes that doing so would eliminate the need for handheld devices, such as those currently prevalent among delivery drivers.
According to Amazon, the VAPR system has been in development since early 2020. “We had to think about elements unique to the delivery experience, such as lighting and space constraints inside the van,” product manager John Colucci said in a release.
The system will be installed in 1,000 of the retail giant's Rivian electric vans by early 2025. The company is testing the technology thoroughly in select markets, including Boston. It said drivers were able to reduce the time per stop from two to five minutes to less than one minute.