Amazon Prime Air is now live as the company started delivering orders by drones in two states of the country, California and Texas. Through this new delivery service, packages will be delivered to customers' homes within an hour.
An Amazon delivery drone is on display at Amazon's BOS27 Robotics Innovation Hub in Westborough, Massachusetts on November 10, 2022. - Nothing is a matter of chance at Amazon. The robotics laboratory of the US e-commerce giant is developing the automation of its distribution centers around the world so that customers receive their orders efficiently in the shortest possible time. Delivering the Future" is the motto of this "hub of the robot universe" that is turning the company that Jeff Bezos founded 28 years ago to sell books over the Internet into a pioneer in distribution with its own technology and "made in USA" production.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
(Photo : JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) An Amazon delivery drone is on display at Amazon's BOS27 Robotics Innovation Hub in Westborough, Massachusetts on November 10, 2022. - Nothing is a matter of chance at Amazon. The robotics laboratory of the US e-commerce giant is developing the automation of its distribution centers around the world so that customers receive their orders efficiently in the shortest possible time.
Launching Amazon Prime Air
As customers conducted last-minute shopping for the holidays, Amazon launched Prime Air and started to deliver packages via drones. The Verge reported that the company has already dropped some packages in the customers' backyards in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas.
Amazon Air Spokesperson Natalie Banke stated, "Our aim is to safely introduce our drones to the skies. We are starting in these communities and will gradually expand deliveries to more customers over time."
If retail shoppers live in either of the towns, they are eligible to sign up and place orders. Amazon will then notify the customers when drone delivery is available in the said area. Once the order is placed, the customer will be given an estimated delivery time and tracking information.
As per the announcement, operations from the College Station and Lockeford PADDC will occur during daylight hours and five days a week. Each state will be divided into four sectors that contain a maximum of approximately 50 delivery flights per day. One aircraft will be given per sector in each state.
The Hill reported that Amazon was given a Part 135 approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Aside from this, it also includes the filing of the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision documents for Lockeford (November 14th) and College Station (December 12th).
Amazon's Drones
The retail company will use a MK27-2 delivery drone. Based on a report from ArsTechnica, it contains six propellers that are intentionally shaped in a hexagonal style in order for the drone to stabilize in the air and minimize high-frequency sound waves.
Although these types of drones fly autonomously, as each of them was programmed to avoid instances that can destroy itself from chimneys, trees, etc., Amazon stated that real people are still monitoring the deliveries.
Safety will also be the top priority of the company, as Amazon drones have faced problems during its developing stage. As per Bloomberg's investigation last April, a serious crash happened in June 2021 during the drones' testing, which caused a brush fire in Pendleton, Oregon.
This allegation was based on internal documents, government reports, and several interviews with current and former employees during the investigation.
Currently, Amazon works on a new drone called MK30. This will launch in 2024 and is expected to be lighter and smaller than the current MK27-2 delivery drones. Adding to its appearance, it reportedly handles high temperatures and light rain better.
Alphabet and Walmart were also working on their own delivery drone services. Both companies launched versions in the past year in certain areas.
