Last week we heard that Amazon Drones had received approval by the FAA, although the drone that was approved was an old drone that Amazon is no longer testing.
Amazon criticized the FAA for taking so long to approve their drones, the company’s latest Amazon Drone has not received FAA approval as yet.
Amazon’s Drone Testing in Canada
Now according to a recent report by the Guardian, Amazon is testing out their drones at a secret location in Canada. This move comes as part of Amazon’s broader strategy to expedite the development and deployment of its drone delivery service, known as Amazon Prime Air. The company has received approval from the Canadian government to test out its drones in the country, and the drones are being tested out between 200ft and 500 ft.
200ft is where the majority of buildings end and 500ft is where commercial aviation begins. Amazon intends for its Amazon drones to fly in the unused space between 200 and 500 feet to deliver parcels to their customers. This altitude range is crucial as it minimizes the risk of interference with both ground-based structures and commercial aircraft, ensuring a safer operational environment for drone deliveries.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The company will need to get approval from a number of countries around the world before they can start using their Amazon Drones to deliver your Amazon orders. This is no small feat, as each country has its own set of aviation regulations and safety standards that must be met. For instance, in the United States, the FAA has stringent requirements for commercial drone operations, including pilot certification, operational limitations, and safety protocols.
Moreover, Amazon faces competition from other companies like Google and UPS, which are also developing their own drone delivery systems. Google’s Project Wing and UPS’s Flight Forward have both made significant strides in this area, adding to the urgency for Amazon to accelerate its testing and approval processes.
In addition to regulatory hurdles, there are technical challenges that need to be addressed. These include ensuring the drones can navigate complex urban environments, avoid obstacles, and operate in various weather conditions. Amazon is investing heavily in advanced technologies such as machine learning and computer vision to enhance the reliability and safety of its drones.
Another critical aspect is public perception and acceptance. While the idea of receiving packages via drones is exciting, there are concerns about privacy, noise, and the potential for accidents. Amazon is actively working on public outreach and education campaigns to address these concerns and build trust with consumers.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of drone delivery are substantial. Drones can significantly reduce delivery times, especially for last-mile deliveries in urban areas. They can also lower transportation costs and reduce the environmental impact by cutting down on the need for traditional delivery vehicles.
In conclusion, while Amazon’s journey to make drone deliveries a reality is fraught with challenges, the company is making significant progress. Testing in Canada represents a crucial step forward, and with continued innovation and collaboration with regulatory bodies, the dream of receiving your Amazon orders via drone could soon become a reality.
Source The Guardian, Gizmodo
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
