Drone Delivery
 

I saw an article on the "Click" this morning regarding the use of drones for delivery of small packages. There is definitely a useful need for this in remote areas as has been proved by the trials involving the delivery of medicines in Africa, but I do fear that the introduction of this in major developments will lead to an increase in the dangers from malfunctions, and the decline in free soaring wildlife, and dinosaurs such as me.

I wonder what the CAA's view on this would be they'll be loads of regulations etc and as you say damage to wildlife etc.
Amazon tried it in America I think but not sure how it went.

A drone passed over the house the over weekend and to be honest was rather noisy and intrusive, so the thought of deliveries being made with these devices does not fill me with joy.:mad:

In rural areas, how will the drones ask passers by location of the delivery address?

In March this year new regulations came into force in Kenya for drone users to have a licence. As well as the cost, they must demonstrate they know how to operate them. $1200 USD for private use and $2300 USD commercial for the license.
The Red Cross have said they will be interested in getting the drones. I know the Kenya Wildlife Service use them to catch poachers.
The fees for a license are a blow to photographers and film makers, to farmers and land owners.

I'm completely in the dark as to how this works in the real world. I've read various articles about it but can anyone fill me in on:
What is the range of these things? Do they fly from say, Amazon's distribution base 50miles to deliver a parcel, or does a driver go most of the way and park up to send out a drone to each of his deliveries in the area one at a time?
I've read that this will be a boon for 'remote areas'. Unless these things have a humongous range, nowhere within range of a distribution base is going to be that 'remote' is it?
I've also read that an advantage will be '30 minute delivery from ordering'. Again, how will that be achievable? Unless these things fly supersonic, 30minutes isn't going to get you very far from base.
To me, this seems one of these ideas that someone has thought "that sounds really cool", but will be totally unachievable in the real world. Anyway, I'm waiting for the first 'matter transfer' booths to become available. Then I can order, and within 2 minutes, my purchase is zapped straight to my home

Think I'll stick with a man in a van :eek:



Cliff

Is the drone going to knock on your door and ask if you can take a parcel in for next door and leave a little card through the letter box ?

When I am out, how are these things going to leave the item in the box by the shed? :shrug:

Depends how good the pilot is. You may find your item in the shed. Complete with bits of drone. And next door's washing line.