Deliveries by drone take off
AUSTRALIA is proving to be an international testing ground for commercial drone deliveries, with more burritos and medical supplies expected to fall gently from the sky into Aussie backyards in 2018.
The technology could even be tested in emergency situations with rural fire brigades this year with petrol, oil and even food on the cards to be air-dropped in.
But while experts insist the flying machines have the potential to save time, money, and reduce traffic congestion, they warn there are still hurdles to overcome before dinner, documents, and online purchases regularly appear from above.
Alphabet’s research and development facility, formerly known as Google X, launched two commercial drone delivery trials in Australia late last year and spokeswoman Alexa Dennett said they would continue “for the foreseeable future”.
The trials, as part of the company’s Project Wing, have seen deliveries of Guzman y Gomez Mexican food and healthcare and overthe-counter medicine from Chemist Warehouse delivered to residents in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, and Canberra.
Ms Dennett said the trials, approved by the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority, had proven so useful that they would continue and could be expanded to surrounding regions.
“They’re optimistic that we can expand the trials as the testing progresses,” she said.
“We are really excited for the benefits that drone delivery can give to people and also the environmental benefits of drone deliveries. They will be part of our future.”
Ms Dennett said the trial participants in Royalla, Queanbeyan, lived at least 15 minutes from the nearest shop but drones could deliver goods ordered from a smartphone in just five minutes.