Amazon is developing a new pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses that could be in use by its delivery drivers as early as next year, according to a report from The Information. The glasses, known internally as “Amelia,” are designed to help drivers by displaying navigation and delivery instructions directly in their line of sight.
The report suggests that Amazon plans to produce around 100,000 units of the Amelia glasses in the initial rollout. Unlike consumer-focused models, the driver version is expected to have a bulkier design, featuring a small display to provide real-time guidance on where to deliver packages. Reuters previously reported on the project, noting that the glasses could offer “turn-by-turn navigation on a small embedded screen.”
The company has not yet confirmed a launch date. Still, industry analysts believe the move signals Amazon’s commitment to integrating wearable technology into its logistics network, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce driver workload.
A growing competition in smart eyewear
Amazon’s AR development comes at a time when major tech firms, including Meta, Google, Samsung, and Snap, are racing to establish a foothold in the smart glasses market. Amazon’s project, codenamed Jayhawk, is reportedly in advanced stages and may feature a full-colour display in one eye, alongside built-in microphones, speakers, and a camera.
The timing of the report coincides with expectations that Meta will soon unveil its “Hypernova” smart glasses during the Connect event. According to Bloomberg, these glasses are anticipated to go beyond the existing Ray-Ban models, adding a small display on the right lens to show alerts and mini applications. Meta is also continuing to develop a more advanced pair of AR glasses, known as Orion.
While Amazon’s consumer AR glasses may not be released until late 2026 or early 2027, the early deployment of driver-focused models demonstrates a different strategy, targeting practical workplace use before entering the wider consumer market.
Previous ventures in smart glasses
Amazon has already experimented with smart eyewear through its Echo Frames, first introduced in 2019. The third-generation Echo Frames launched in 2023, but they were seen as limited compared with rival products such as Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have been praised for integrating style with functionality.
By developing Amelia specifically for its delivery drivers, Amazon is shifting towards a more functional application of the technology, rather than purely consumer-driven innovation. Analysts say this could give the company a practical advantage, as the glasses streamline delivery operations by reducing reliance on handheld devices.
If successful, the move could pave the way for wider adoption of AR glasses in the workplace, extending beyond logistics into areas such as warehousing, field services, and healthcare.
