Amazon is using a new proprietary AI solution called Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) to reduce the time and effort it takes delivery drivers to locate packages in vans. Is it a game changer or AI VAPR wear?
Somewhat forgotten in the hype surrounding Tesla’s “We, Robot” event on Oct. 10, which promises to improve the lives of people who use it now, not two years from now. It was Amazon’s AI press release.
VAPR makes Amazon delivery drivers’ lives easier by automatically identifying packages to be delivered at a specified stop. The system then projects a green “O” on every package delivered at that stop and a red “X” on every other package. Once the driver has received all the “correct” packages, the VAPR will provide an audio cue to ensure no packages are left behind.
Camera + Laser = Easy Delivery
I’d like to imagine the system sounds like this: “Hey delivery guy, you found something!” Who’s a good delivery driver? You’re a great delivery driver! ”
VAPR systems eliminate the need for delivery drivers to use their phones during the delivery process. As a result, Amazon says drivers organize packages at stops, read labels, and manually check for identifiers such as customer names and addresses to ensure they have the right packages between stops. There is no need to spend time checking things. Instead, they just look for a green light, grab their luggage and leave.
The Amazon Transportation team says it spent hundreds of hours testing VAPR in the field with drivers to test initial assumptions about the system’s ability to assist. In early tests, Amazon found that drivers’ perceived physical and mental effort was reduced by 67%, saving more than 30 minutes per route.
VAPR will be installed on 1,000 of Amazon’s new electric delivery vans immediately, with plans to expand the program if results continue.
With more than 390,000 Amazon delivery drivers around the world and more than 100,000 vans in Amazon’s fleet delivering millions of packages every day, technology like VAPR has an incredible promises to save you time and effort at scale.
Electrek’s view
Amazon delivery drivers can benefit from VAPR. Via Amazon.
As an unashamed and unapologetic worker advocate, I applaud Amazon for making drivers’ lives easier. Still, Amazon’s constant pursuit of efficiency has led to accusations that it mistreats its employees.
A lawsuit against the online retail giant alleges that the company’s “draconian work quotas” and “close tracking” make it nearly impossible for employees to veer off course to go to the bathroom. . The suit says trash cans at Amazon’s fulfillment centers (where drivers begin and end their trips) are “frequently overflowing” with bottles of urine discarded by employees. This is a topic I covered in an earlier HEP-isode on The Heavy Equipment Podcast, but out of sheer weirdness I’ve included it (at the bottom) for your enjoyment.
The hope is that Amazon will use the extra 30 minutes provided by VAPR to provide drivers with better working conditions and the basic breaks their bodies need.
HEP-isode 5 | Wireless charging and piss jugman
Source | Image: Amazon via Chain Store Age. Forbes.
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