Amazon recently announced that is has rolled out a “Distance Assistant” that it is using in its facilities to help its associates social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With cameras positioned throughout facilities, Distance Assistant uses artificial intelligence and machine learning when looking at images captured by the cameras, and provides the information to humans to help them figure out what areas are crowded and how they can better implement social distancing
The solution also uses augmented reality to create a magic-mirror-like tool that helps associates see how much they’re physical distancing. With 50-inch monitors positioned where associates can see them, the Distance Assistant displays live video with visual overlays to show if they are within 6 feet of one another. Individuals remaining 6 feet apart are highlighted with green circles, while those who are closer together are highlighted with red circles (see photo).
The first Distance Assistants are installed in a few facilities already, with the company planning to deploy hundred in the next few weeks. The company plans to open source the software and AI.
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