Amazon has found a strong ally in the British government in its quest to use drones for delivery. This new partnership between Amazon and the UK gives the company a chance to test its drones the way it can’t in the United States.
Testing In The UK – Easier Than The US
For one, the UK is allowing Amazon to deploy beyond line of sight tests in both rural and suburban areas. In the US, Amazon can only fly drones if they’re within the pilot’s line of sight. This enables Amazon to test sending parcels out to longer distances and further locations.
Amazon will also use this opportunity to make sure its drones sensors can identify and avoid obstacles (such as trees etc) and to deploy operations wherein one person controls multiple drones simultaneously.
Despite the relaxed rules, Amazon will only be able to test their Drone Delivery service to a maximum of 400 feet in the air, They are also not allowed anywhere near airports.
Amazon will also concentrate on delivering packages weighing five pounds and below. Amazon says the experiments they’ll perform in the UK will give them a better understanding of how the drones can be used safely for Prime Air.
The UK are a market leader for drone innovation
“The UK 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.”
“Using small drones for the delivery of parcels will improve customer experience, create new jobs in a rapidly growing industry, and pioneer new sustainable delivery methods to meet future demand,” said Misener. “The UK is charting a path forward for drone technology that will benefit consumers, industry and society.”
Are you excited to see Amazon testing their drone delivery service in the UK? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, or on Google+, Facebook, or Twitter.
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