Amazon releases the drones...

You might think that being able to order something online and have it delivered the very next day is impressive enough. Well, strap yourselves in because, if current trials go to plan, you could be receiving your order within an hour of placing it.

Amazon is one of six organisations selected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to participate in a ground breaking trial which focuses on 'beyond visual line of sight' (BVLOS) drone flights, allowing operators to control drones without keeping them in direct eyesight.

Amazon's Prime Air service is already fulfilling this service in parts of the US like Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas so why not here in the UK? Amazon's aim is to begin the one hour delivery service in Great Britain before the end of the year. Amazon's drones will be permitted to fly to distances of around 12 kilometres from their base in one of the UK’s fulfilment centres.

The trials will examine how the drones identify and avoid other aircraft, as well as the signals sent to flag their presence to others in the airspace and air traffic control. Kirkwall Airport in the Orkney Islands has been named as one of the testing locations.

“Exploring the options of how drones can be safely and successfully incorporated into more of the UK’s airspace is key,” said Frederic Laugere, Head of Innovation Advisory Services at the CAA.

“It is vital that projects such as this take place to feed into the overall knowledge and experiences that will soon enable drones to be operating beyond the line of sight of their pilot on a day-to-day basis, while also still allowing safe and equitable use of the air by other users.”

Small packages of up to five pounds in weight can be placed into the drone’s storage container at its fulfilment centres. The drones would then carry the package to a delivery point, usually a consumer’s garden, and eject it from the air. Whereas most drones are not able to sense or avoid hazards and obstacles, Amazon has designed a ‘sophisticated’ and ‘industry-leading’ sense-and-avoid system – aiming to ensure safety when carrying the product in transit and when lowering towards the ground. Amazon’s algorithms are said to utilise a ‘diverse suite’ of technologies to identify static objects in the drone’s path, as well as moving objects on the horizon, and change its course to avoid them.

The drone is also said to steer clear of people, animals and other obstacles when landing. Consumers are not expected to pay extra for the service, which will be offered alongside the usual range of delivery options.

Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager, Logistics UK said: "Our members are committed to making the transition to zero emission vehicles but fleet operators face many challenges in meeting decarbonisation deadlines.

"It’s encouraging to see Amazon's drone programme reaching its next stage as using new technologies to trial innovative ways of diversifying fleet operations will be key, as the industry strives to moves towards net zero.

“The potential ability to deliver packages within an hour not only represents a positive step forward in efficiency and customer satisfaction but also represents a significant progression toward enhancing the overall resilience and responsiveness of supply chains across the UK."

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Published On: 03/01/2025 14:11:52