Amazon is set to deploy 1,000 Rivian electric delivery vans equipped with Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) technology by early 2025, introducing a groundbreaking AI-powered solution designed to streamline the delivery process. The VAPR system is expected to dramatically reduce the time drivers spend retrieving packages, revolutionizing Amazon’s last-mile logistics operations.
The Problem: Time Lost in Package Retrieval
For Amazon delivery drivers, each stop often involves digging through packages in the back of the van to find the right ones for the customer. While this only takes a few minutes per stop, over a hundred or more deliveries a day can lead to significant time and effort lost.
Until now, drivers have had to manually check key package identifiers such as customer names, addresses, and stop orders, a process that requires both mental effort and time. But with VAPR, these tasks will be automated, allowing drivers to simply grab the correct package and go.
VAPR: How It Works
VAPR uses advanced computer vision and AI to identify the correct packages for each stop. When the van arrives at a delivery location, the system projects a green “O” on the packages designated for that stop, while marking all other packages with a red “X.” Drivers are alerted via visual and audio cues, so they can quickly and easily retrieve the right packages without sifting through totes or manually reading labels.
The VAPR system removes the need for drivers to use mobile devices to scan or organize packages, making the process seamless. In fact, according to Bobby Garcia, a driver for Bloomfield Logistics, VAPR reduces package retrieval time from 2-5 minutes to just under a minute. “It’s made my life so much easier,” he said.
Origins and Development
VAPR’s development began in early 2020 when a team within Amazon Transportation sought to create a more efficient delivery experience. Their vision focused on addressing the unique challenges drivers face, such as limited space and lighting inside vans. After years of piloting and refining the technology based on feedback from drivers, VAPR is now ready for its broader rollout.
John Colucci, Product Manager at Amazon Transportation, explained that VAPR was built using Amazon Robotics Identification (AR-ID) technology—originally designed for fulfillment centers—and optimized for use in delivery vans. The system leverages machine learning to recognize and track packages in various lighting conditions and environments. Key components like automotive light projectors and cameras are integrated with the van’s route navigation system to ensure maximum efficiency.
The technology also utilizes several Amazon Web Services (AWS) tools, including the machine-learning platform SageMaker and IoT Greengrass, to process data in real-time and assist with package retrieval. This ensures that even as new challenges emerge in the delivery environment, the system can adapt and improve.
Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Driver Effort
Amazon’s tests show that VAPR can save drivers more than 30 minutes per route, reducing both the physical and mental strain of constantly sorting through packages. Stephen Harry, owner of Bloomfield Logistics, noted that VAPR has significantly improved delivery accuracy and reduced driver fatigue. “VAPR always finds the right packages,” he said.
With over 390,000 Delivery Service Partner (DSP) drivers and more than 100,000 vans in Amazon’s global fleet, the potential time savings are immense. VAPR’s introduction represents a significant milestone in Amazon’s ongoing efforts to enhance driver efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
Rivian’s Role in Electrifying Amazon’s Fleet
The VAPR-equipped electric vans will be built by Rivian, a key partner in Amazon’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Rivian’s all-electric delivery vehicles are designed with driver comfort, efficiency, and sustainability in mind, making them the perfect platform for implementing cutting-edge solutions like VAPR.
By combining Rivian’s electric vehicles with Amazon’s AI-powered retrieval system, Amazon is set to take last-mile delivery to the next level—delivering more packages in less time, while reducing environmental impact.
A Game Changer for Amazon and Rivian
As Amazon prepares to roll out 1,000 Rivian vans with VAPR by early 2025, the partnership promises to make a significant impact on both the logistics industry and environmental sustainability. With VAPR, drivers will have more time to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, and Amazon will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in package delivery.
The future of last-mile logistics is bright, and Amazon and Rivian are leading the charge.
Source: Amazon