Drones for Delivery Are Expanding Opportunities in the USA

• Drones for delivery are expanding opportunities in the USA, particularly in urban areas
• The FAA has simplified rules for drones, allowing them to increase their usage
• Delivery drones are already encompassing typical products, such as groceries and eggs

Delivery drones have become faster, allowing for deliveries of orders, for example, groceries, right to the customer's door. The technology, which has been promised for several years, is now being implemented in the United States. More than six years after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved commercial deliveries, the service is still limited to certain areas and rural regions.

Recently, the FAA banned a new rule that would simplify companies' ability to use drones beyond the visibility zone of the operator, allowing them to conduct deliveries at greater distances. Currently, a number of companies already have such permissions, but for this, they had to obtain special certificates.

Companies that are already testing drone delivery plan to expand this service to millions of households in the USA. For example, Walmart and Wing, a company that belongs to Google, are currently conducting deliveries from 18 Walmart stores in the Dallas area and plan to expand this to 100 stores in such cities as Atlanta and Houston.

Amazon is also actively developing its drone delivery program. Following the launch of the Prime Air service in Texas, the company obtained permission to use autonomous drones that can fly outside the visibility zone of the pilot. The service will be expanded to additional cities, including San Antonio and Kansas City.

The concept of drone delivery has existed for more than a decade. For example, the company Zipline began delivering medical supplies in Rwanda back in 2016. According to the CEO of Wing, Adam Woodworth, drone delivery in the USA has taken a long time due to the absence of an adequate regulatory framework.

Drone delivery, while considered innovative, already encompasses typical products, such as groceries, eggs, and cupcakes. Drones usually deliver only one small order, unlike traditional vehicles, which transport several packages at once.

Research shows that drones can significantly improve the delivery of medical supplies, but there are also risks, such as the possibility of collisions in the airspace. However, with improved technology, humans may begin to accept the risks of drone delivery just as they have with automotive accidents.

Currently, the cost of drone delivery stands at approximately $13.50 per delivery, while traditional delivery costs about two dollars. Companies are likely to demonstrate the safety and reliability of their drones before the FAA, which will expedite the rapid implementation of this technology.

Some argue that drones may replace human couriers, but experts believe that this is unlikely, especially given that some deliveries, such as large packages, still do not suit drones.

Currently, in areas where drone deliveries are promoted, there is an increase in overall order volume, which indicates that new technology can complement traditional delivery methods.

Tags: USA/Aviation