On Wednesday, the company revealed that it has implemented spotlights in its delivery trucks to direct drivers to packages at each stop along their routes.
This new technology, referred to as Vision Assisted Package Retrieval, utilizes a green light to highlight packages, allowing delivery personnel to avoid wasting valuable seconds on label reading.
“When we accelerate delivery times, customers tend to shop more frequently,” stated Doug Herrington, CEO of Amazon worldwide stores, during the event. “Once a customer experiences rapid delivery, they are likely to return sooner and make additional purchases.”
Amazon plans to install this spotlight technology in 1,000 active delivery trucks, provided by electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, early next year. Herrington noted that the ceilings of these delivery vans are fitted with cameras and LED projectors that can quickly read package labels, ensuring accurate delivery to the right customers.
As Rivian's largest shareholder, Amazon has ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans to be operational by 2030.
In morning trading, shares of both Amazon and Rivian saw an increase of approximately 1%.
This new system is reminiscent of a technology already in use in Amazon’s warehouses, where lights illuminate items on robotic shelves, facilitating quicker picking and sorting by workers. This advancement has replaced a previous system that required some employees to walk up to 10 miles daily while pushing carts through narrow aisles to locate stored items.
By reducing the time required for each package delivery by just a few seconds, Amazon can enhance the number of deliveries each worker completes during their shift. Currently, the company reports that delivery workers serve around 100 customers each day.
At a recent event held in a warehouse near Nashville, Tennessee, Amazon announced the implementation of new artificial intelligence software designed to significantly reduce the time spent researching products like televisions and dog food. The online guides will provide more comprehensive information and tailored recommendations, enabling customers to make quicker and more informed purchasing decisions, according to the Seattle-based company.
This new feature builds on an earlier announcement regarding the integration of AI search capabilities into the main Amazon website. Named Rufus, this tool offers users more detailed responses to their search inquiries.
In a separate initiative, Amazon revealed plans to establish smaller warehouses adjacent to its Whole Foods grocery stores. This strategy aims to prevent customers from seeking alternatives at competing retailers when certain items are unavailable. For instance, shoppers could order a bottle of Pepsi while at a Whole Foods, which does not stock the beverage, and have it delivered at checkout.
The first of these locations is set to open in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, approximately 15 miles north of Philadelphia, with the service expected to launch next year.