‘Tis the season for online holiday shopping. There’s a chance that while browsing the web in search of the “perfect gift,” you’ll purchase something from the Internet retail giant Amazon.
So, are you ready to receive your packages via drone?
It’s not science fiction. Within the next five years it’s going to be a reality.
The Amazon PrimeAir drone. (Image via CBS News)
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos told the CBS news program “60 Minutes” that the company is currently testing small drones that can deliver packages to your doorstep in just 30 minutes from the time of your online purchase.
The drone service has been named Amazing PrimeAir and consists of unmanned octocopters (8-propeller drones) that will rely on GPS to deliver the packages.
So why do we have to wait five years? Currently, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations do not permit this kind of drone flight, but FAA rule changes are on the way and could be in effect by 2015.
The drones being tests have a flight range of 10 miles and can handle products under 5 lbs, the weight of about 90% of Amazon’s merchandise.
Amazone PrimeAir drone in action. (Image via CBS News)
As with any new technology, there are always concerns. Bezos doesn’t think this method is perfected yet. “This thing can't land on somebody's head while they're walking around their neighborhood,” Bezos told 60 Minutes.
Amazon is not the first to deliver services or goods via drone. Domino’s Pizza was testing delivery drones earlier this year and some restaurants have even replaced their wait staff with drones.
Get ready to watch overhead and make sure you aren’t hit with someone’s holiday packages.
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