Amazon is rolling out a system that uses sensors and a large-screen display to let workers see, in real time, if they’re maintaining proper social distancing.
The “Distance Assistant,” unveiled by the company on Tuesday morning, shows an augmented reality circle at the feet of workers as they move through a building, turning from green to red if the circles overlap when two or more people come within the six feet recommended by health officials to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Amazon has been touting its tech innovations in response to concerns about safety in its fulfillment centers and other facilities in its distribution network. At least eight warehouse workers have died from the virus. The company has repeatedly declined to disclose data on the number of COVID-19 infections across its workforce.
The company says it plans to open-source the technology for others to implement.
Brad Porter, the vice president in charge of Amazon’s robotics initiatives, says in a blog post that the Distance Assistant is part of a larger effort by the company’s engineers to invent new technologies to address the global pandemic.
“Given social distancing isn’t always natural, this team set out to use augmented reality to create a magic-mirror-like tool that helps associates see their physical distancing from others,” Porter wrote. “Working backwards from a concept of immediate visual feedback, and inspired by existing examples like radar speed check signs, our ‘Distance Assistant’ provides employees with live feedback on social distancing via a 50-inch monitor, a camera, and a local computing device.”
Distance Assistant is currently live in a handful of Amazon buildings. The company says it’s proceeding with a larger rollout to hundreds of buildings based on encouraging feedback from workers and supervisors. The system is self-contained and runs on a standard electrical outlet.
Other companies are pursuing different efforts to help facilities encourage social distancing, including a product called “HealthySpaces,” from Seattle startup Nomad Go, which gives physical retailers real-time data on store occupancy and density counts, and also measures mask and social distancing compliance.
PREVIOUSLY: Inside an Amazon fulfillment center, masked up and spaced apart during COVID-19
