Amazon’s Prime Air delivery drones are finally taking off – here’s what they look like
The story of Amazon’s air deliveries is a long and complicated one, with the company first announcing it would drop packages from the sky about a decade ago.
We’ve had 15 iterations of the iPhone in that time, but the online shopping giant has managed to kick-start testing in California and roll out lightweight package air deliveries to other US regions, including Texas. But now it has set its sights on Britain and Italy.
In a recent announcementAmazon stated that it plans to implement a same-day delivery service in three new locations by the end of 2024, including locations in the United Kingdom and Italy, as well as another unnamed U.S. city.
“Once available, eligible Amazon customers can sign up for drone delivery and choose from thousands of items weighing five pounds or less (2.2 kg) – including household products, daily essentials, beauty items, and office and tech supplies,” the company revealed. in his statement. Although the location of the new locations remains a well-kept secret.
What has changed?
According to Amazon, the company has worked with national and international regulators to ensure it can build a “secure and scalable” service. The company is currently building the infrastructure to make this possible and working with authorities to ensure it complies with the law.
UK Aviation Secretary Baroness Vere said: “Amazon’s announcement is a fantastic example of government and industry working together to achieve our shared vision of commercial drones becoming commonplace in Britain by 2030.
“Not only will this help boost the economy, give consumers even more choice while keeping the environment clean with zero-emission technology, but it will also increase our understanding of how best to use the new technology safely.”
New locations, new drone
The other major factor driving the rollout of Amazon’s Air delivery system is the introduction of a new drone.
The new design (above), called MK30, could fly twice as far as previous Prime Air drone models, allowing Amazon to expand beyond its current compatible fulfillment centers.
In addition, the MK30 is quieter and apparently can handle adverse weather conditions much better than previous versions. Now packages are stored inside the drone itself, keeping the items safe during transit.
Currently, the system is a bit clunky, requiring users in Lockeford, California to place QR code markers to guide the drone into position, and allow enough space for the delivery drone to deliver its payload. But Amazon says its new technology will be able to use more accurate GPS to make the procedure faster and smoother.
Autonomous airmail
Amazon says the drones are designed to fly autonomously and are equipped with sensors that allow the drone to identify and avoid obstacles in the delivery area.
Currently, the drones can only fly out of some Same-Day Delivery stations, which are essentially smaller versions of the fulfillment centers that process orders for delivery on the same day they were purchased.
In the future, Amazon says it wants to strike 500 million global drone deliveries per year by the end of this decade, but that could prove a lofty ambition.
Currently, stringent aviation regulations in the US require the flight path of each delivery drone to be tracked on a screen, while people also watch each delivery by eye to ensure there are no glitches.
Although it is hoped that a more efficient procedure will be achieved in the near future. Frederic Laugere, Head of Innovation Advisory Services at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Exploring the options to safely and successfully integrate drones into a wider area of UK airspace is vital.
“It is critical that projects like this take place to fuel the common knowledge and experiences that will soon enable drones to operate beyond their pilot’s line of sight on a daily basis, while also enabling safe and secure drones.” fair use of the air by other users.”