Amazon is installing AI-powered cameras in its delivery vans to monitor driver behavior

Online retail giant Amazon has introduced AI-equipped cameras in the vehicles of their drivers to monitor drivers and warn them against unsafe road practices. 

Smart Cameras

Despite criticism aimed at the company for making their drivers complete up to 200 deliveries every day, Amazon has chosen not to reduce the workload of their drivers. Now, Amazon is set to start using AI-equipped cameras to alert drivers if they're contravening road rules or engaging in harmful practices. Amazon will also use the footage for evaluation purposes. 

According to The Information, the Driveri platform being installed in the vehicles is manufactured by Netradyne, a start-up company based in San Diego. The cameras are equipped with four lenses that simultaneously film the road, driver, and both sides of the van. 

The cameras operate 100 percent of the time, but they are unable to record audio and cannot be used to watch drivers in real-time. They come equipped with artificial intelligence that identifies signals based on a driver's actions and things going on around the van. 

Automatic Feedback

The camera will provide automatic audio Feedback including "No stop detected" and "Please slow down" on detection of illegal acts such as running a stoplight or speeding. Braking too hard and other instances of unsafe driving won't trigger audio alerts, but the footage will be uploaded to a secure portal for Amazon to examine. 

The cameras can only be disabled when the ignition is off, allowing drivers to enjoy their breaks without the uncomfortable knowledge of being watched by an AI. Footage, such as accidents, road rage, closed delivery locations, etc, that could prove useful, can be recorded by pressing a provided button. 

Amazon spokesperson Deborah Bass told CNBC: "We are investing in safety across our operations and recently started rolling out industry-leading camera-based safety technology across our delivery fleet. 

“This technology will provide drivers real-time alerts to help them stay safe when they are on the road.”