Are Americans ready for more drone deliveries?

2023-05-02 22:00:44, Tech CNA

Drones are often used in warfare, law enforcement, and agriculture. As VOA correspondent Julie Taboh reports, more and more American businesses are now using drones to deliver food to customers' homes.

Something unusual is happening in a neighborhood on the outskirts of a city in eastern Virginia.

Food items are being delivered to the Baugh family by drone.

"We have twin children and this is very convenient for us. We don't need to spend the extra time loading them into the car."

Chad Baugh made the order online, from a Walmart store near his home. Walmart is one of America's largest retail companies, which made more than six thousand drone deliveries to its customers last year.

"Drones are really efficient, fast and useful for some operations. They're also very durable," says Phillip Wallace, Walmart's Director of Federal Government Affairs.

The company uses a service called "DroneUp" for most of its orders.

Drone delivery services are particularly suitable for people living in rural areas, the elderly and those with mobility issues.

The drone stays about 25 meters above the ground, a good thing for protecting privacy and reducing the noise level.

But the main challenges are the strict rules of the Federal Aviation Administration.

"I think the Federal Aviation Administration has done a lot to advance drone technology, but it's not on pace for the future," says Anthony Vittone, chief operating officer of DroneUp.

In a statement to VOA, the Federal Aviation Administration said that in September, it will require drones to transmit remote identification information, a major step toward enabling drone traffic management.

“Drone integration is an important topic at the Federal Aviation Administration. It's developing discussions about issues like integrating drones into existing air traffic control systems," says Miriam McNabb, editor of DroneLife, which publishes the latest news on drone issues.

This is good news for consumers.

“I think the drone industry in the future is going to be really beneficial for everyone. As more companies offer online services, you'll be able to get products delivered to your home faster and in a safer way," says Chad Baugh, Walmart customer./ VOA