Amazon launched a pilot program for its drone-based delivery in two US cities — first, in College Station, Texas, and then Lockeford, California- amid much fanfare. However, in the three weeks since the program was launched, it has proven to be a gimmick with no practical applications.
Amazon’s ambitious drone delivery service, known as “Prime Air,” could potentially change how e-commerce functions worldwide. However, people and, more importantly, Amazon must wait a little longer before it becomes practical.
Reports from users who have availed of Amazon’s Prime Air service are reporting that apart from the barrage of issues they faced, one thing that clearly stood out was Amazon drone’s inability to carry a meaningful load. Some suggest that a drone’s maximum weight is that of a can of soup or baked beans.
There are some other restrictions as well.
There are severe payload restrictions: Amazon’s drones can only carry small items weighing up to five pounds that can withstand a 12-foot drop in perfect conditions. If, for example, there is an increase in temperature or humidity, or if the wind is even a little stronger, the maximum payload drops substantially.
Furthermore, the drones are affected by environmental factors such as rain, wind, and heat, making them less reliable in various weather conditions. For the drones to deliver they are designed, the conditions must always be ideal.
Amazon also requires delivery drop-off points to be free of nearby cars, often forcing customers to move their vehicles out of driveways. A significant target must also be placed for the drones to land accurately.
Another bizarre issue is that, unlike traditional delivery systems, customers must be physically present to accept drone deliveries to prevent theft and because items may sometimes roll into the street.
Early adopters of Amazon’s drone service have found that restrictions such as these show the impracticality of the service. As a result, they often receive free items sent by drone, such as a single jar of peanut butter, a can of soup, or breath mints. However, these items are delivered in large boxes disproportionate to the product’s size, leading to a waste of packaging materials.
Amazon’s drone service was initially announced with much fanfare in the early 2010s, with CEO Jeff Bezos showcasing the technology on “60 Minutes” in 2013. Despite the promise of a delivery revolution, the service has made slow progress, and it currently operates in just two US cities.
While Amazon announced plans to expand the drone delivery service to cities in the United Kingdom and Italy in the coming year, challenges related to weather conditions, regulatory approval, and other logistical factors could continue to hinder the program’s growth.
