Amazon to test delivery drones in Britain

Published July 26, 2016
An Amazon PrimeAir drone is shown in this publicity photo.—Reuters/File
An Amazon PrimeAir drone is shown in this publicity photo.—Reuters/File

SAN FRANCISCO: Amazon announced Monday plans to test delivery drone technology in Britain, as the US online commerce giant tries to advance the idea safely.

The partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the regulations to put in place, it said in a statement.

Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: flying drones that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas; having one person operate several highly automated drones; and testing devices to make the drones able to identify and avoid obstacles.

“Britain is a leader in enabling drone innovation; we've been investing in Prime Air research and development here for quite some time,” said Paul Misener, Amazon's Vice President of Global Innovation Policy and Communications.

“This announcement strengthens our partnership with the UK and brings Amazon closer to our goal of using drones to safely deliver parcels in 30 minutes to customers in the UK and elsewhere around the world.”

Last month, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unveiled long-awaited new rules that clear the way for small, commercial drones to operate across US airspace.

Under the FAA's rules, drone operators will be allowed to fly commercial craft weighing less than 25kg during daylight hours, provided they can maintain a clear view of the drone at all times.

While that effectively precludes the sort of robo-delivery services being developed by Amazon and other major vendors, the new rules will nonetheless ensure drones become increasingly commonplace in the skies.

The White House cites industry estimates suggesting drones could generate more than $82 billion for the US economy over the coming decade, creating some 100,000 jobs.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...