Amazon’s delivery stations are the bustling heart of its logistics network, where thousands of packages are sorted and sent on their final journey to customers’ doorsteps. But behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is underway—one that promises to make the process faster, more accurate, and easier for employees. Enter the Vision Assisted Sort Station (VASS), Amazon’s latest leap in logistics technology.
The Story Behind VASS: Making Sorting Smarter
Imagine a typical day at an Amazon delivery station. Packages arrive in waves from fulfillment centers, and employees must quickly sort them into bags destined for different delivery routes. Traditionally, this meant memorizing destinations, constantly checking handheld devices, and moving back and forth between stations—a process ripe for errors and physical strain.
VASS changes the game. Drawing inspiration from the Vision Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) system already used in Amazon’s delivery vans, VASS uses computer vision and projection technology to guide employees through the sorting process. When packages arrive, they’re placed in a buffer area. VASS then projects a green “O” onto the package that needs to be picked and a red shape on those that shouldn’t, making it instantly clear which package goes where. Meanwhile, destination bags are brought directly to the employee, reducing unnecessary walking and improving ergonomics.
Real-World Impact: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Employee Wellbeing
Early tests at Amazon’s Innovation Center in Dortmund, Germany, have shown impressive results:
- Reduced mental load: Employees no longer need to memorize destinations or constantly reference screens.
- Fewer errors: Missorts have dropped significantly, thanks to clear visual cues.
- Faster sorting: Employees can manage up to 10 packages at once, compared to just two with older methods.
- Greater flexibility: The system allows employees to work at their own pace, decoupling performance from machine sequencing.
Chris Harris, Amazon’s director of logistics engineering, sums it up: “VASS helps simplify decision-making for our employees and speeds up the process of getting packages where they need to go.”
The Technology Under the Hood
VASS is powered by advanced cameras and machine learning models trained to recognize different labels and packages—even in tricky lighting conditions. The system can scan multiple barcodes in real time, removing the need for employees to use mobile devices during sorting. This not only streamlines the process but also reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
The technology builds on the success of VAPR, which projects visual cues inside delivery vans to help drivers quickly find the right packages. In early VAPR trials, Amazon saw a 67% reduction in perceived physical and mental effort for drivers and saved more than 30 minutes per route.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for VASS?
Currently, VASS is in the pilot phase, with plans to roll out to select delivery stations in Europe and the U.S. starting in 2027. Amazon’s last-mile delivery technology team is already working on enhancements, including even more advanced computer vision algorithms.
For employees, this means a simpler, more intuitive workday. For customers, it means even faster and more reliable deliveries. And for the logistics industry, VASS is a glimpse into a future where AI and automation work hand-in-hand with people to deliver better results for everyone.
Actionable Takeaways
- For logistics professionals: Consider how computer vision and automation can streamline repetitive tasks and reduce errors in your own operations.
- For tech enthusiasts: Watch for further innovations in warehouse automation, as companies like Amazon continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
- For employees: Embrace new technologies that are designed to make your work easier and safer—your feedback can help shape future improvements.
Key Points:
- VASS uses computer vision and projection to guide package sorting, reducing errors and physical strain.
- Early tests show significant improvements in speed, accuracy, and employee comfort.
- The system builds on Amazon’s successful VAPR technology used in delivery vans.
- VASS is set to roll out in select locations starting in 2027, with ongoing enhancements planned.
- The innovation highlights the growing role of AI in making logistics smarter and more human-friendly.