As rivals race to offer faster free delivery, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) is turning to increased automation and augmented reality (AR) to increase delivery speeds and accuracy.
At the warehouse level, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) introduced Blue Jay and Project Eluna to assist warehouse employees with repetitive tasks and help operators make better operational decisions.
Blue Jay is the next generation robotic system that coordinates multiple robotic arms to perform many tasks simultaneously, turning three separate robotic stations into one streamlined workspace.
Operating like a juggler, Blue Jay can handle tens of thousands of items moving at high speeds with the goal to serve as the core technology to further facilitate same day delivery. The robotics system is currently being tested at one of Amazon’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) fulfillment centers in South Carolina.
Using agentic AI, Project Eluna helps operators resolve complex operational situations and recommend actions to avoid bottlenecks. By asking Project Eluna questions pertaining to staffing and shift scheduling, the technology results in “more foresight, less putting out fires.” Project Eluna is currently being tested at Amazon’s Tennessee fulfillment center.
Once out of the warehouse and into the delivery truck, Amazon (AMZN) will begin supplying drivers with smart delivery glasses to display real-time delivery instructions, scan packages, follow turn-by-turn walking instructions, and capture proof of delivery. By creating a hands-free experience, drivers can spend less time on their phones confirming addresses and snapping pictures of delivered packages.
When drivers park at a delivery location, the glasses automatically activate and give delivery information beginning with locating the correct package within the delivery vehicle.
The glasses feature a small controller worn in the delivery vest that contains operational controls, a swappable battery, and dedicated emergency button. The glass can also be tailored for prescription lenses.
“Together, these systems illustrate how AI that learns from the physical world can improve our workplace and enhance the employee experience. This innovation is particularly important since no company has created more jobs in the U.S. over the past decade than Amazon,” the company said in a statement.