Amazon plans to roll out drone delivery services in California this year. Named ‘Prime Air’, the service resembles delivery method used by many start-ups and large business groups such as Walmart.
The e-commerce giant announced on June 13 that it plans to test its drone delivery service in the California town of Lockeford, reported Agence France Press (AFP).
“Later this year, Lockeford residents will be able to sign up for free drone delivery services,” the company said in a statement without revealing details about the launch date, as it’s still waiting the green light from the concerned regulator.
Consumers will have the chance to choose from ‘thousands of items’ that could be delivered to their backyards via drone.
Clients are welcome to give their feedback to help improve the service, which Amazon hope to expand “to meet the needs of its customers everywhere.”
The company said it developed dozens of pilots before achieving the final model that can define and avoid moving and still obstacles, such as chimneys, flying objects, and pets.
According to Amazon, “most drones don’t have this ability and need the help of human pilots to avoid hazards. Such drones spread quickly, but their operations are limited within a small area.”
The Prime Air drones travel up to 24 kilometers, and can carry loads as heavy as five pounds (2.2 kilograms) in packages about the size of a large shoe box.
