Amazon, the online retail giant has released a new two-minute video hinting at more plans for Prime Air,
its drone based shipping service, which if legalized by the US government, could allow for 30 minute deliveries or less.
The video, which is hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, the ex-Top Gear host (who is set to start in new Amazon programming), showcases a drone
design which does vertical takeoffs and descents but switches into airplane-style flight mid-transit, with a range of 15 miles.
Prototypes in their earlier stages used a design more similar to conventional drones (without wings or a tail).
As of right now, Amazon is said to be working on “different designs for different environments.”
There are sensors on the new drone to avoid air- and land-based obstacles. When trying to narrow down a
landing zone, the drone in the video shows a shopper placing a small Amazon sign in the middle of their
yard as a beacon. It is said that future shoppers would receive mobile notifications of imminent deliveries.
They might also be asked to authorize landings or tell drones to wait a minute to ensure that the drone can
make a clear landing.
As of right now Prime Air remains as a theoretical delivery initiative since the company is waiting on
commercial drone regulations from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The regulations could be ready as soon as next year.
It is currently being speculated that the video was released in an attempt to gain the
favor of politicians and the public with respects to bringing the idea to fruition.
What do you think of the whole ordeal? Is a service such as Prime Air something you’d like to see? Share
your thoughts and comments below!
