One of the world’s largest package delivery companies is stepping up efforts to integrate drones into its system.
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United Parcel Service Inc said it began testing the use of drones for emergency deliveries of medical supplies this week with a flight in rural MA, which the company hopes will eventually lead to federal approval of drones as a regular delivery option.
Demonstration of drone making a commercial delivery to remote or difficult-to-access location.
The trials kicked off on Thursday in Beverly, Massachusetts, where a simulated mission saw an asthma inhaler delivered to a child at summer camp on Children’s Island, located about 3 miles (4.8 km) off the coast.
Following an investment in the startup past year, UPS announced today that it has sought out CyPhy Works’ machines to see how it might bring more efficiency to its delivery process.
“This drone had to fly over territory that normally wouldn’t be able to be traveled by people”, said UPS Vice President of Engineering John Dodero. “In the case of disaster recovery areas, we can get that package delivered”.
Still, the robot-maker doesn’t see drones replacing delivery trucks, bikes, buggies or gondolas anytime soon.
It’s still unclear how much weight these drones can handle or if they can handle adverse weather situations.
UPS says it intends to work closely with officials to make sure its drones “stay on the right path”.
United Parcel Service Inc., based in Atlanta, isn’t the only company testing drones.
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CyPhy Works Inc., based in Danvers, manufactures tethered surveillance drones capable of remaining airborne for hours while streaming reconnaissance data that can’t be intercepted, jammed or spoofed.
