The glasses could save valuable seconds on deliveries by providing specific directional cues around obstacles like gates and elevators. This hands-free guidance would also allow drivers to focus on carrying packages rather than consulting handheld GPS devices. With Amazon handling millions of daily deliveries, these saved seconds could significantly improve overall efficiency.
The project highlights Amazon’s ongoing efforts to cut delivery costs per package and maintain profitability amid rising competition from Walmart, which has ramped up its e-commerce and delivery efforts. Walmart has introduced new incentives for independent drivers to deliver online orders during the holiday season, according to Reuters.
However, sources told Reuters that Amazon could potentially abandon the project if the glasses fail to meet performance or cost-effectiveness targets. It may also take years to perfect the technology. “We are continuously innovating to create an even safer and better delivery experience for drivers,” an Amazon spokesperson said. “We otherwise don’t comment on our product roadmap.”
For years, Amazon has been developing its own delivery infrastructure, including airlines, long-haul trucks, and warehouses, to speed up deliveries and reduce dependence on UPS and FedEx. Shipping costs rose 8% in the third quarter, totaling $23.5 billion.
The “last mile” remains the most complex and costly part of the delivery process, often accounting for half of the total delivery cost. Recently, Amazon introduced a scanner for delivery vans that highlights packages with a green spotlight, helping drivers quickly locate them.The new eyeglasses, internally called “Amelia,” are an evolution of Amazon’s Echo Frames smart glasses, which support audio playback and Alexa commands. These delivery glasses would display navigation instructions on one lens and could capture photos of delivered packages as proof of delivery. However, developing a lightweight, long-lasting battery for an eight-hour shift and collecting detailed navigation data for each route may present challenges.Amazon’s delivery drivers visit over 100 customers per shift. With increased efficiency, drivers may be able to handle more packages per route. However, the company may face resistance from drivers if the glasses are uncomfortable or interfere with those who already wear corrective lenses. Given Amazon’s extensive use of third-party delivery services, it may make wearing the glasses a contractual requirement.
Amazon’s Echo Frames consumer wearables have seen slow sales, with fewer than 10,000 units sold in the most recent generation. The new embedded screen is also expected to be part of an updated Echo Frames release anticipated in the second quarter of 2026, according to sources.