Amazon launches new AI-powered tools for shoppers and drivers

Amazon has unveiled new AI-powered initiatives for both shoppers and delivery drivers, including the launch of AI Shopping Guides, product guides that will leverage AI for shopping guidance and product recommendations for customers.Alongside this, the retail giant has also unveiled new AI tech for Amazon delivery vans, with plans to deploy 1,000 electric delivery vans with Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval by early 2025.

The new AI Shopping Guides are powered by Amazon’s generative AI capabilities and “act like a trusted product expert by proactively consolidating key information customers need to make an informed purchase”. 

The guides are being rolled out to more than 100 types of products, ranging from TVs, area rugs, dog food, and running shoes, to headphones and face moisturisers. Each AI Shopping Guide provides explanations of key features to consider for a specific product type, alongside product recommendations based on the customer’s needs.

It comes as Amazon said the information needed to make an informed purchase decision “varies significantly” with different product types, and that information is constantly changing with new technologies, product features, trends, and customer insights. 

The generative AI will therefore use large language models (LLMs) to uncover the most helpful attributes, use cases, features, brands, and terminology for each product type from its catalogue data to “continually ensure that information is current and relevant”. 

The LLMs then generate tailored guide descriptions based on this information, paired with product recommendations. 

Dan Lloyd, vice president of personalization at Amazon, said: “It’s early days, but we believe AI Shopping Guides will improve how customers discover, explore, and stay informed about the products they want and need. We’re excited to continue enhancing the shopping experience with practical, useful AI innovations so customers can feel confident in their purchases.”

Meanwhile, the company has also unveiled new AI tech that is designed to cut delivery times for delivery drivers. 

Vans will start being equipped with Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR), a new AI-powered solution that means “delivery drivers will no longer have to spend time organising packages by stops, reading labels, or manually checking key identifiers like a customer’s name or address to ensure they have the right packages”. 

According to Amazon, they “simply have to look for VAPR’s green light; grab, and go”.

Once the van arrives at a delivery location, VAPR will automatically project a green ‘O’ on all packages that will be delivered at that stop and a red ‘X’ on all other packages. Through an audio and visual cue, VAPR will prompt the driver, confirming it has found the right packages, before the driver needs to enter the cargo area. The technology also removes the need for drivers to use a mobile device throughout the process.