Debate on Ski Training Course Safety Erupts as Olympic Ski Season Opens

As the Olympic ski season begins, concerns over the safety of training courses have taken center stage, following a series of tragic incidents and the deaths of several skiers during preseason training. The issue has gained heightened attention just five months before the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with athletes, coaches, and officials calling for better safety measures.

The debate about dangerous ski training courses has been rekindled after the tragic death of Matteo Franzoso, a 25-year-old Italian skier, during preseason training in Chile. Franzoso crashed through two layers of safety fencing and collided with a wooden fence positioned just outside the course, sustaining fatal cranial trauma. This incident, along with several others, has raised alarms within the skiing community, highlighting the risks associated with training conditions that often do not meet the same safety standards as race-day courses.

Tragic Incident Highlights Ski Training Risks

Franzoso’s tragic death was not an isolated incident. His passing marked the third skier death in less than a year, following similar fatalities among young Italian skiers. The Alpine skiing community has been grappling with questions surrounding the risks of training courses, which are often set up in temporary locations and lack the stringent safety measures used during actual World Cup races.

Mikaela Shiffrin, the American ski champion, has been vocal about the dangers of training courses. Shiffrin, who suffered significant injuries in a crash during a World Cup giant slalom race, expressed heightened awareness of the risks during her return to training. “We are often training in conditions where the variables are just too many to control, and you have to decide sometimes: Is this unreasonably dangerous, or is this within a reasonable level of danger?” she said.

Shiffrin’s injuries left her with a punctured abdomen and severe muscle damage, forcing her to reassess the inherent dangers of skiing at the highest level. Despite the risks, Shiffrin emphasized the importance of training, even in challenging and potentially unsafe conditions, to ensure peak performance on race day.

Safety Concerns and Financial Constraints

The central issue lies in the safety standards of training courses compared to race courses. While World Cup and Olympic events are carefully managed with safety netting, medical staff, and proper course maintenance, training courses often lack the same levels of oversight. These courses are generally set up with smaller crews, limited medical staff, and less protective infrastructure. In some cases, fewer safety nets are installed, and courses may not be as well-maintained as those used during official races.

This disparity has led many in the skiing world to voice concerns, particularly after the death of Franzoso. Sofia Goggia, the Italian Olympic downhill champion, pointed out that the financial constraints of maintaining fully safe training courses, especially in remote locations, have contributed to the risks skiers face. “At a high level, it’s like F1 or MotoGP in downhill, super-G, but also giant slalom; the risk is there every time,” she noted, acknowledging that the nature of the sport always involves risk.

Calls for Improved Safety Measures

In the wake of Franzoso’s death, the International Ski Federation (FIS) and national skiing federations have come under increasing pressure to improve the safety protocols surrounding ski training. The Italian Winter Sports Federation has called for the establishment of dedicated training courses, especially in regions like Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand, which host preseason training camps for skiers. These courses, they suggest, should have the same safety netting and standards used during official competitions.

Johan Eliasch, the President of FIS, acknowledged the importance of improving safety across the board. “We need to make sure that when you have training runs in speed, the safety standards are exactly the same as on the big race day,” Eliasch said. His comments indicate that there is a growing push within the governing body to make safety a priority, even outside of race day.

The Financial Challenge of Improving Training Courses

While calls for improved safety are growing, some are concerned about the financial feasibility of implementing these changes. Skiing is an expensive sport, and adding extra safety measures—like installing additional nets, maintaining pristine snow conditions, and increasing the number of medical staff—requires significant investment. Smaller teams and less wealthy federations may struggle to meet these financial demands.

Roland Assinger, the coach of the Austria women’s ski team, emphasized that safety netting in places like Copper Mountain, Colorado, is unparalleled. However, such levels of safety infrastructure are not always achievable in countries with fewer resources. Assinger and other coaches are calling for a more unified approach to ensuring safer training environments across the board, but the financial and logistical hurdles remain significant.

The Road Ahead: A Shared Responsibility

The debate over ski training safety is far from over, with coaches, athletes, and federations continuing to push for change. At the heart of the conversation is the balance between the inherent dangers of the sport and the responsibility of those who create the conditions in which athletes train and race.

The tragic death of Franzoso has shaken the skiing world, but it also offers an opportunity for change. Improved safety measures in training environments are necessary to ensure that athletes can train at the highest levels without putting their lives at undue risk. For now, the call for more protective measures, better financial support, and a collective approach to safety remains at the forefront of the Alpine skiing community’s agenda.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Skiing Safety

As the Olympic ski season kicks off, the conversation around safety continues to evolve. Athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and Sofia Goggia are pushing for greater awareness of the risks, while national federations and the International Ski Federation (FIS) work to implement lasting safety reforms. The tragic events of the past year have made it clear that the sport needs to adapt, with increased safety standards that reflect the growing demands and dangers of modern skiing.

In the end, skiing’s risks cannot be eliminated, but by prioritizing safety, athletes can focus on achieving excellence in a sport they love—without compromising their well-being.

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Allianz Urges EU Standards For Autonomous Vehicle Safety

Participant countries at the Allianz Motor Day 2025 in Brussels focused on the importance of mobility on The Dangers of Driving Drones and the need for an autonomous vehicle (AV) and drone penetration strategy for Europe ensuring safety at all levels. With AVs moving away from testing phases to ongoing structures all over Europe, Allianz expressed the importance of continuous testing to foster road safety and stimulate the European tourism market. Their emphasis was based on the projected autonomous vehicle safety record, which, as the Allianz insurers’ research indicates, is of high importance for countries based on tourism.

Safety Gains and Impact on Tourism

The integration of autonomous vehicles into European roads promises a substantial reduction in traffic accidents, a critical factor for regions that depend heavily on tourism. According to Allianz’s research, the safety of AVs, driven by advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), could lead to a 20 percent reduction in traffic accidents by 2035. This safety boost is expected to rise to over 50 percent by 2060, as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, offering considerable benefits for tourists and travelers within the European Union.

Tourism, which thrives on safe and efficient transportation systems, could see direct advantages from AVs. With fewer accidents on the road, tourists will experience smoother journeys, particularly in countries with high traffic density such as Italy and France. Regions that attract significant numbers of tourists, such as coastal and historical cities, will also benefit from reduced road congestion and fewer delays.

Tourism Mobility Boost: A More Accessible Future

The Allianz report also emphasizes the potential of autonomous vehicles to increase accessibility for tourists, including those with disabilities and older adults. As the EU prioritises inclusive mobility, AVs could provide enhanced travel experiences, helping to improve access to popular tourist destinations for individuals who might otherwise face transportation challenges.

By supporting the widespread deployment of automated systems, Allianz highlights how this could open up European cities and landmarks to a broader audience, including those with reduced mobility. Countries with well-developed tourism infrastructures, such as Germany and Switzerland, could leverage autonomous vehicles to further enhance their reputation as accessible destinations. This could stimulate local economies by attracting new demographics of tourists, increasing the number of visitors year-round.

A Standardised Approach to Autonomous Vehicle Testing

Allianz’s position also stresses the importance of uniform safety and testing standards for autonomous vehicles across the EU. Currently, regulations on AV testing and certification remain fragmented, making cross-border travel within Europe difficult and inconsistent. Allianz advocates for the establishment of an EU-wide driving license for autonomous vehicles, which would involve a combination of digital simulations, practical tests, and real-world evaluations to ensure safety standards are met. This harmonisation would allow for easier movement of AVs across European borders, fostering a more integrated transport system that benefits both tourism and business travel.

With autonomous vehicles likely to become a common feature on European roads in the coming decades, creating a cohesive framework for testing and certification is essential. For tourists, this will mean less friction when travelling across different countries, as vehicles will be universally accepted and tested to meet the same high standards.

Enhanced Data Sharing for Safety and Efficiency

A vital component of Allianz’s proposal includes the establishment of a European-wide database of accident and safety-related data, which would help ensure that AVs can be held accountable for their actions. The company stresses that access to critical vehicle data should be available to regulatory authorities, insurers, and manufacturers, with a focus on improving road safety for everyone, including tourists.

The European Commission’s current regulations on data exchange, such as the EU Data Act, are expected to play a crucial role in streamlining the sharing of this information. Transparent and secure sharing of safety data will also boost confidence among consumers, encouraging more tourists to embrace autonomous vehicles during their European travels.

Impact on Insurance and Cost Efficiency

For the tourism industry, Allianz also highlights the need for new insurance models that accommodate the changing dynamics of autonomous vehicles. As AVs reduce accident frequencies, insurance premiums are expected to decrease, benefiting both vehicle owners and tourists. With fewer accidents and more reliable transport, tourists will likely see a reduction in costs associated with car rentals and travel insurance, making Europe an even more attractive destination.

However, Allianz warns that while accident frequency will decline, the rising complexity of AVs will increase repair costs, particularly related to sensors and software. The insurance industry, therefore, must adapt by evolving pricing models that reflect both safety performance and technological complexity, ensuring that tourists can still benefit from affordable and reliable transportation during their stay.

A Safer, More Accessible Future for European Tourism

Allianz’s support of an expansive EU legal framework for regulating autonomous vehicles demonstrates innovative thought toward enhancing road safety, mobility and tourism across Europe. With focus on safety standards and promotion of autonomous system innovation, Europe’s transport could be much safer and more accessible for countless tourists, yielding growth in fundamental tourism economies.

With the advancement and proliferation of AV technologies, these suggestions should be made a priority by European governments to guarantee that tourists relish an effortless and safe means of traversing the continent.

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This Article Was First Published on The Bit Journal |

As leverage trading takes over the crypto scene in 2025, traders are learning the hard way that big rewards often walk hand in hand with bigger risks, but could smarter risk control finally make leverage safer than ever?

Crypto leverage trading is becoming a popular way to invest in digital markets. It lets traders open larger positions with a small amount of money, which attracts both beginners and experts.

This method allows traders to make more profit when the market moves in their favor. But it can also bring large losses if it is not used with proper care and understanding.

What Is Leverage in Crypto Trading?

Leverage refers to utilizing borrowed capital from an exchange for a larger trade. In crypto leverage trading, a trader with a capital of say $100 can trade as if they had say $1,000, fully using 10x leverage. This can create larger profits if the market goes in their favor. 

But, equally important, this can create larger losses if the price moves against them. Leverage allows traders to benefit from even small price changes in coins like $BTC or $ETH. It is helpful for short-term trades and lets traders keep some of their money free for other uses.

But experts warn that leverage is not a guarantee of profit or easy money. Borrowed funds must be handled carefully to prevent losing the entire trade through liquidation.

How Does Crypto Leverage Trading Work?

In crypto leverage trading, the exchange lends money to increase the size of a trader’s position. The trader must keep enough margin in their account to support this larger trade. When the market moves in their favor, profits can grow quickly. But if prices move the other way, losses can rise just as fast.

When a trader’s balance drops below the required margin level, the exchange may automatically close the trade. This is known as liquidation and it often happens when the market moves very quickly.

Understanding how margin works can help traders stay away from liquidation. It is wise to plan every trade with care and know the risks before using leverage.

How to Use Leverage in Crypto Trading Safely?

Using leverage in trading requires a clear plan and a steady approach. Many traders choose to begin with a smaller level of leverage, like 2x or 3x, until they gain more experience. Using very high leverage can make the impact of price changes much stronger.

Taking time to understand the market and manage each position with care usually leads to steadier outcomes. Using stop loss and take profit orders can also bring more structure and safety to crypto leverage trading. They close trades on their own once prices reach a chosen level.

By using them, traders can protect their capital and capture profits even when they are not watching the market. Making these orders part of a plan often brings more order and calm to the trading process.

What Are the Best Risk Management Practices?

Good risk management plays a central role in crypto leverage trading. It is advised that traders use only a small portion of their funds for each trade. This way, a single loss will not affect the entire account.

Experts often suggest risking only one percent of total capital per trade to limit losses. Watching margin levels helps traders avoid liquidation. Closing trades early or adjusting their size can protect funds. Funding fees should also be checked, as they can reduce profit over time.

Why Is Emotional Control Important in Leverage Trading?

Crypto leverage trading can be thrilling but also stressful. Rapid changes in the market can cause traders to react with emotions instead of with logic. This often creates errors, such as adding leverage after a loss or executing trades even earlier than expected. 

Keeping emotions in check will allow traders to create rational, unemotional trading decisions. More experienced traders will advise taking a break after a loss to understand what went wrong. Patience and self-control will protect your trading capital better than any strategy. 

It is also ok to look and learn from others, but don’t follow blindly from what you see on social media. Each trader must develop their own method based on their experience and what they have researched.

Conclusion 

Crypto leverage trading gives traders a way to grow their profits with smaller capital. Traders who understand the risks, manage their positions, and stay disciplined can trade more safely and confidently.

Understanding risk and using tools like stop loss orders help protect funds. In 2025, smart and patient use of leverage remains the key to lasting success in crypto trading.

Glossary 

Leverage: Extra money you borrow to increase the size of your trade.

Margin: The small part of your money kept aside to support a trade.

Stop Loss: A safety tool that ends a trade to stop more loss.

Funding Fee: A small cost you pay for keeping a trade open longer.

Short Trade: You sell expecting the crypto price to go down.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crypto Leverage Trading

How does leverage work in crypto?

Leverage helps you trade with more money, so your profit or loss can become bigger.

Why do people use leverage in crypto?

People use leverage to try to make more money from small price changes.

Is crypto leverage trading risky?

Yes, it is risky because you can lose your money very fast if the market goes down.

How can traders stop liquidation?

Traders can stop liquidation by using small leverage and watching their margin level.

What is a good rule for managing risk?

A good rule is to risk only a small part of your money on each trade.

Read More: Leverage Trading in Crypto: How to Maximize Profits and Avoid Liquidation in 2025">Leverage Trading in Crypto: How to Maximize Profits and Avoid Liquidation in 2025

IATA 2026 Manuals Update: Key Changes to Cargo, Ground Operations, and Animal Welfare

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has rolled out the 2026 editions of its crucial industry manuals for cargo, ground operations, and animal welfare. The updates introduce nearly 100 major changes to align with emerging global standards. From battery shipping regulations to animal welfare protocols, these revisions are set to elevate air transport safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Dangerous Goods Regulations: Updates to Lithium Battery Shipping

In 2026, IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) are receiving significant updates, particularly focused on lithium batteries. The air transport of lithium batteries has risen by 25% in recent years, contributing to increased safety risks. These updates address a series of high-profile incidents involving overheating power banks and new hybrid battery chemistries.

The key changes in DGR include formal shipping names for hybrid-powered vehicles, clearer recommendations for passengers using power banks in cabins, and new variations for countries like Thailand, France, and the UK. The BSR updates introduce stricter charge limits for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment, a shipper compliance checklist, and additional guidelines for Designated Postal Operators accepting lithium battery shipments.

Live Animals Regulations: Major Changes to Animal Welfare Protocols

IATA’s Live Animals Regulations (LAR) have undergone a major update, aimed at improving the welfare of animals transported by air. In 2024, over 200,000 non-domestic animal shipments were made, highlighting the growing demand for improved care and safety standards. Key updates include guidelines for attendants on providing safe care during transit, with competency-based training becoming a standard practice.

New specifications for animal containers focus on ventilation and material quality. Brazil has now officially adopted the LAR guidelines. Additionally, there are updated requirements for transporting specific species like poultry, pangolins, and hooded raptors. These changes reflect IATA’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare in the transport sector.

IATA Ground Operations Manual: Improving Passenger and Baggage Handling

The 2026 edition of IATA’s Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) introduces a host of updates designed to streamline airport operations and enhance safety. Notably, new guidelines for handling passengers with special needs, such as unaccompanied minors, unruly passengers, and those requiring medical assistance, have been incorporated.

Furthermore, baggage tracking standards have been aligned with IATA’s Resolution 753 to ensure that all checked bags are tracked through the entire journey. There are also revised procedures for preparing, collecting, and transporting potable water to improve operational efficiency. Aircraft turnaround procedures have been updated to ensure faster, safer handling of flights, reducing delays and improving customer service.

IATA’s Digital Enhancements: Making Compliance Easier

In response to the growing need for real-time access to regulatory information, IATA has launched several digital tools for industry professionals. These digital tools make it easier for cargo operators, shippers, and freight forwarders to stay compliant with updated regulations.

The new LAR Verify online portal offers airlines and freight handlers a streamlined way to access the LAR and receive automated compliance checks. Additionally, IATA has made available a comprehensive list of dangerous goods in a digital format and an improved battery classification tool. This tool now includes classifications for emerging battery technologies, such as sodium-ion batteries, helping professionals stay ahead of industry trends.

The Impact of 2026 Manual Updates on the Aviation Industry

The 2026 updates to IATA’s key industry manuals mark a significant step forward for the aviation sector. These changes are crucial for improving safety, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability. With regulations around battery shipments becoming stricter, animal welfare standards being upgraded, and new digital tools improving compliance, the air transport industry is poised to evolve in response to the growing demands of both safety and sustainability.

As air traffic continues to rise, particularly with the expansion of e-commerce and global logistics, these revisions ensure that the aviation industry remains well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern transportation. From improved animal care to more efficient ground operations, the 2026 IATA manuals are shaping the future of air travel.

A Safer, More Efficient Future for Air Transport

IATA’s updates to its 2026 manuals demonstrate a clear commitment to enhancing air travel safety and efficiency. These revisions not only address immediate industry challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term improvements. Whether it’s safer shipping of lithium batteries, better care for live animals, or more efficient ground operations, the 2026 manual updates are vital for keeping the air transport industry aligned with global standards.

For air transport professionals, staying informed and compliant with these changes is now more important than ever. The 2026 updates offer an invaluable resource for ensuring that safety and operational excellence remain at the forefront of the industry.

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SAN FRANCISCO — Putting on Amazon’s new smart delivery glasses felt surprisingly natural from the start. Despite their high-tech components and slightly bulky design, they were immediately comfortable and barely heavier than my normal glasses.

Then a few lines of monochrome green text and a square target popped up in the right-hand lens — reminding me that these were not my regular frames. 

Occupying just a portion of my total field of view, the text showed an address and a sorting code: “YLO 339.” As I learned, “YLO” represented the yellow tote bag where the package would normally be found, and “339” was a special code on the package label.

My task: find the package with that code. Or more precisely, let the glasses find them.

As soon as I looked at the correct package label, the glasses recognized the code and scanned the label automatically. A checkmark appeared on a list of packages in the glasses.

Then an audio alert played from the glasses: “Dog on property.”

When all the packages were scanned, the tiny green display immediately switched to wayfinding mode. A simple map appeared, showing my location as a dot, and the delivery destination marked with pins. In this simulation, there were two pins, indicating two stops. 

After putting the package on the doorstep, it was time for proof of delivery. Instead of reaching for a phone, I looked at the package on the doorstep and pressed a button once on the small controller unit —the “compute puck” — on my harness. The glasses captured a photo.

With that, my simulated delivery was done, without ever touching a handheld device.

In my very limited experience, the biggest concern I had was the potential to be distracted — focusing my attention on the text in front of my eyes rather than the world around me. I understand now why the display automatically turns off when a van is in motion. 

But when I mentioned that concern to the Amazon leaders guiding me through the demo, they pointed out that the alternative is looking down at a device. With the glasses, your gaze is up and largely unobstructed, theoretically making it much easier to notice possible hazards. 

Beyond the fact that they’re not intended for public release, that simplicity is a key difference between Amazon’s utilitarian design and other augmented reality devices — such as Meta Ray-Bans, Apple Vision Pro, and Magic Leap — which aim to more fully enhance or overlay the user’s environment.

One driver’s experience

KC Pangan, who delivers Amazon packages in San Francisco and was featured in Amazon’s demo video, said wearing the glasses has become so natural that he barely notices them. 

Pangan has been part of an Amazon study for the past two months. On the rare occasions when he switches back to the old handheld device, he finds himself thinking, “Oh, this thing again.”

“The best thing about them is being hands-free,” Pangan said in a conversation on the sidelines of the Amazon Delivering the Future event, where the glasses were unveiled last week.

Without needing to look down at a handheld device, he can keep his eyes up and stay alert for potential hazards. With another hand free, he can maintain the all-important three points of contact when climbing in or out of a vehicle, and more easily carry packages and open gates.

The glasses, he said, “do practically everything for me” — taking photos, helping him know where to walk, and showing his location relative to his van. 

While Amazon emphasizes safety and driver experience as the primary goals, early tests hint at efficiency gains, as well. In initial tests, Amazon has seen up to 30 minutes of time savings per shift, although execs cautioned that the results are preliminary and could change with wider testing.

Regulators, legislators and employees have raised red flags over new technology pushing Amazon fulfillment and delivery workers to the limits of human capacity and safety. Amazon disputes this premise, and calls the new glasses part of a larger effort to use technology to improve safety.

Using the glasses will be fully optional for both its Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and their drivers, even when they’re fully rolled out, according to the company. The system also includes privacy features, such as a hardware button that allows drivers to turn off all sensors.

For those who use them, the company says it plans to provide the devices at no cost. 

Despite the way it may look to the public, Amazon doesn’t directly employ the drivers who deliver its packages in Amazon-branded vans and uniforms. Instead, it contracts with DSPs, ostensibly independent companies that hire drivers and manage package deliveries from inside Amazon facilities. 

This arrangement has periodically sparked friction, and even lawsuits, as questions have come up over DSP autonomy and accountability.

With the introduction of smart glasses and other tech initiatives, including a soon-to-be-expanded training program, Amazon is deepening its involvement with DSPs and their drivers — potentially raising more questions about who truly controls the delivery workforce.

From ‘moonshot’ to reality

The smart glasses, still in their prototype phase, trace their origins to a brainstorming session about five years ago, said Beryl Tomay, Amazon’s vice president of transportation.

Each year, the team brainstorms big ideas for the company’s delivery system. During one of those sessions, a question emerged: What if drivers didn’t have to interact with any technology at all?  

“The moonshot idea we came up with was, what if there was no technology that the driver had to interact with — and they could just follow the physical process of delivering a package from the van to the doorstep?” Tomay said in an interview. “How do we make that happen so they don’t have to use a phone or any kind of tech that they have to fiddle with?”

That question led the team to experiment with different approaches before settling on glasses. It seemed kind of crazy at first, Tomay said, but they soon realized the potential to improve safety and the driver experience. Early trials with delivery drivers confirmed the theory.

“The hands-free aspect of it was just kind of magical,” she said, summing up the reaction from early users.

The project has already been tested with hundreds of delivery drivers across more than a dozen DSPs. Amazon plans to expand those trials in the coming months, with a larger test scheduled for November. The goal is to collect more feedback before deciding when the technology will be ready for wider deployment.

Typically, Amazon would have kept a new hardware project secret until later in its development. But Reuters reported on the existence of the project nearly a year ago. (The glasses were reportedly code-named “Amelia,” but they were announced without a name.) And this way, Amazon can get more delivery partners involved, get input, and make improvements.

Future versions may also expand the system’s capabilities, using sensors and data to automatically recognize potential hazards such as uneven walkways.

How the technology works

Amazon’s smart glasses are part of a system that also includes a small wearable computer and a battery, integrated with Amazon’s delivery software and vehicle systems.

The lenses are photochromatic, darkening automatically in bright sunlight, and can be fitted with prescription inserts. Two cameras — one centered, one on the left — support functions such as package scanning and photo capture for proof of delivery. 

A built-in flashlight switches on automatically in dim conditions, while onboard sensors help the system orient to the driver’s movement and surroundings.

The glasses connect by a magnetic wire to a small controller unit, or “compute puck,” worn on the chest of a heat-resistant harness. The controller houses the device’s AI models, manages the visual display, and handles functions such as taking a delivery photo. It also includes a dedicated emergency button that connects drivers directly to Amazon’s emergency support systems.

On the opposite side of the chest, a swappable battery keeps the system balanced and running for a full route. Both components are designed for all-day comfort — the result, Tomay said, of extensive testing with drivers to ensure that wearing the gear feels natural when they’re moving around.

Connectivity runs through the driver’s official Amazon delivery phone via Bluetooth, and through the vehicle itself using a platform called “Fleet Edge” — a network of sensors and onboard computing modules that link the van’s status to the glasses. 

This connection allows the glasses to know precisely when to activate, when to shut down, and when to sync data. When a van is put in park, the display automatically activates, showing details such as addresses, navigation cues, and package information. When the vehicle starts moving again, the display turns off — a deliberate safety measure so drivers never see visual data while driving.

Data gathered by the glasses plays a role in Amazon’s broader mapping efforts. Imagery and sensor data feed into “Project Wellspring,” a system that uses AI to better model the physical world. This helps Amazon refine maps, identify the safest parking spots, pinpoint building entrances, and optimize walking routes for future deliveries.

Amazon says the data collection is done with privacy in mind. In addition to the driver-controlled sensor shut-off button, any imagery collected is processed to “blur or remove personally identifiable information” such as faces and license plates before being stored or used.

The implications go beyond routing and navigation. Conceivably, the same data could also lay the groundwork for greater automation in Amazon’s delivery network over time.

Testing the delivery training

In addition to trying the glasses during the event at Amazon’s Delivery Station in Milpitas, Calif., I experienced firsthand just how difficult the job of delivering packages can be. 

• Strapped into a harness for a slip-and-fall demo, I learned how easily a driver can lose footing on slick surfaces if not careful to walk properly. 
• I tried a VR training device that highlighted hidden hazards like pets sleeping under tires and taught me how to navigate complex intersections safely.
• My turn in the company’s Rivian van simulator proved humbling. Despite my best efforts, I ran red lights and managed to crash onto virtual sidewalks.

The simulator, known as the Enhanced Vehicle Operation Learning Virtual Experience (EVOLVE), has been launched at Amazon facilities in Colorado, Maryland, and Florida, and Amazon says it will be available at 40 sites by the end of 2026. 

It’s part of what’s known as the Integrated Last Mile Driver Academy (iLMDA), a program available at 65 sites currently, which Amazon says it plans to expand to more than 95 delivery stations across North America by the end of 2026.

“Drivers are autonomous on the road, and the amount of variables that they interact with on a given day are countless,” said Anthony Mason, Amazon’s director of delivery training and programs, who walked me through the training demos. One goal of the training, he said, is to give drivers a toolkit to pull from when they face challenging situations.

Suffice it to say, this is not the job for me. But if Amazon’s smart glasses live up to the company’s expectations, they might be a step forward for the drivers doing the real work.

The post From Discord’s AI Growing Pains to Promptfoo’s Red Teaming Triumph appeared first on StartupHub.ai.

Ian Webster’s journey, culminating in Promptfoo’s $18M Series A, offers a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial pivot born from direct experience. Having spearheaded Discord’s AI chatbot, Clyde, Webster intimately understood the critical chasm between developing AI and deploying it safely to a massive user base. This foundational insight propelled him from a general evaluation tool to […]

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MILPITAS, Calif. — Amazon is bringing delivery details directly to drivers’ eyeballs. 

The e-commerce giant on Wednesday confirmed that it’s developing new augmented reality glasses for delivery drivers, using AI and computer vision to help them scan packages, follow turn-by-turn walking directions, and capture proof of delivery, among other features. 

Amazon says the goal is to create a hands-free experience, making the job safer and more seamless by reducing the need for drivers to look down at a device.

Scenarios shown by the company make it clear that the devices activate after parking, not while driving, which could help to alleviate safety and regulatory concerns.

[Update, Oct. 23: Amazon executives said in briefings Wednesday that the glasses will be fully optional for drivers, and they’re designed with a hardware-based privacy button. This switch, located on the device’s controller, allows drivers to turn off all sensors, including the camera and microphone.

From a customer perspective, the company added that any personally identifiable information, such as faces or license plates, will be blurred to protect privacy.

Overall, Amazon is positioning the glasses as a tool to improve safety and the driver’s experience. We had a chance to try the glasses first-hand this week, and we’ll have more in an upcoming post.]

The wearable system was developed with input from hundreds of drivers, according to the company. It includes a small controller worn on the driver’s vest that houses operational controls, a swappable battery for all-day use, and a dedicated emergency button. 

The glasses are also designed to support prescription and transitional lenses. Amazon says future versions could provide real-time alerts for hazards, like pets in the yard, or notify a driver if they are about to drop a package at the wrong address.

According to Amazon, the smart glasses are an early prototype, currently in preliminary testing with hundreds of drivers in North America. The company says it’s gathering driver feedback to refine the technology before planning a broader rollout.

The announcement at Amazon’s Delivering the Future event in the Bay Area today confirms a report by The Information last month. That report also said Amazon is developing consumer AR glasses to compete with Facebook parent Meta’s AI-powered Ray Ban smart glasses.

The enterprise AR market is in flux, with early mover Microsoft pivoting away from HoloLens hardware, creating an opening for players like Magic Leap and Vancouver, Wash.-based  RealWear.

A demo video released by Amazon shows a delivery driver using augmented reality (AR) glasses throughout their workflow. It begins after the driver parks in an electric Rivian van, where the glasses overlay the next delivery address directly onto a view of the road.

“Dog on property,” the audio cue cautions the driver. 

Upon parking, the driver moves to the cargo area. The AR display then activates to help with sorting, with green highlights overlaid on the specific packages required for that stop. As the driver picks each item, it’s scanned and a virtual checklist in their vision gets updated.

After retrieving all the packages from the cargo hold, the driver begins walking to the house. The glasses project a digital path onto the ground, guiding them along the walkway to the front door. 

Once at the porch, the display prompts the driver to “Take photo” to confirm the delivery. After placing the items, the driver taps a chest-mounded device to take the picture. A final menu then appears, allowing the driver to “Tap to finish” the stop before heading back to the van.

SAN FRANCISCO — Facing renewed threats of federal intervention from President Trump, Mayor Daniel Lurie used an appearance at an Amazon event Tuesday to make the case that San Francisco is “on the rise,” citing its AI-fueled revival as proof of a broader comeback.

Without naming Trump or explicitly citing the proposal to deploy the National Guard, Lurie pushed back on the national narrative of urban decline — pointing to falling crime rates, new investment, and the city’s central role in the AI boom.

Lurie, who took office earlier this year, said San Francisco is “open for business” again, name-checking OpenAI and other prominent companies in the city as examples of the innovation fueling its recovery. Mayors of other cities, he said, would die to have one of the many AI companies based in San Francisco.

“Every single metric is heading in the right direction,” Lurie said, noting that violent crime is at its lowest level since the 1950s and car break-ins are at a 22-year low, among other stats.

He was speaking at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, as Amazon hosted journalists from around the country and the world on the eve of its annual Delivering the Future event, where the company shows its latest robotics and logistics innovations. 

“I want you to tell everybody, wherever you come from, that San Francisco’s on the rise,” he said. “You tell them there’s a new mayor in town, that we’ve got this, and we do.”

Amazon and leaders of San Francisco-Marin Food Bank highlighted their partnership that uses the company’s delivery network to bring food to community members who can’t get to a pantry. The company said Tuesday it has delivered more than 60 million meals for free from food banks across the US and UK, committing to continue the program through 2028.

A New York Times report on Tuesday, citing internal Amazon documents, said the company wants to automate 75% of its operations in the coming years to be able to avoid hiring hundreds of thousands of workers. It noted that the company is looking at burnishing its image through community programs to counteract the long-term fallout.

Executives noted that Amazon has focused in the Seattle region on affordable housing, in line with its approach of adapting to different needs in communities where it operates.

Lurie pointed to the company’s San Francisco food bank partnership as a model for other companies. “Amazon is showing that they are committed to San Francisco,” he said.