Project Wing, an initiative of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has been given the go-ahead to start delivery by drones in north Canberra, the company says, with the service to be initially available to 100 eligible homes in the suburbs of Crace, Palmerston and Franklin as part of an Early Flyer Program.
A statement from Project Wing said the service allowed users to order fresh good, hot coffee or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals on its mobile app and have them delivered.
It said customers in Harrison and Gungahlin were expected to be covered in the coming months.
Goods could be initially be ordered from Kickstart Expresso, Capital Chemist, Pure Gelato, Jasper + Myrtle, Bakers Delight, Guzman Y Gomez and Drummond Golf.
The company said it had been
testing drone delivery since 2014 and had delivered food, small household items and pharmaceuticals on more than 3000 occasions to homes in the Fernleigh Park, Royalla and Bonython communities.
A Project Wing drone set to make a delivery. Courtesy Project Wing
Citing data from am AlphaBeta study, Project Wing said estimates showed that, at scale, drone delivery could add $30 million to $40 million in annual revenue for ACT businesses.
It said delivery costs could be cut by $12 million a year by 2030.
"Small drone delivery produces 99% less emissions than deliveries made by car and if even a small proportion of deliveries and pick-ups by car and truck are shifted to drones, congestion in the ACT could be reduced by as many 35 million vehicle kilometres per year by 2030, which would result in the reduction of 8000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions," the company said, quoting again from the AlphaBeta study.
"Drone delivery has the potential to offer greater autonomy to the 13,000 people with a disability and 6700 elderly people living in the ACT who may need assistance with mobility. The potential reduction in vehicle kilometres could avoid up to 70 road accidents annually in the ACT."
INTRODUCING ITWIRE TV
iTWire TV offers a unique value to the Tech Sector by providing a range of video interviews, news, views and reviews, and also provides the opportunity for vendors to promote your company and your marketing messages.
We work with you to develop the message and conduct the interview or product review in a safe and collaborative way. Unlike other Tech YouTube channels, we create a story around your message and post that on the homepage of ITWire, linking to your message.
In addition, your interview post message can be displayed in up to 7 different post displays on our the iTWire.com site to drive traffic and readers to your video content and downloads. This can be a significant Lead Generation opportunity for your business.
We also provide 3 videos in one recording/sitting if you require so that you have a series of videos to promote to your customers. Your sales team can add your emails to sales collateral and to the footer of their sales and marketing emails.
See the latest in Tech News, Views, Interviews, Reviews, Product Promos and Events. Plus funny videos from our readers and customers.
SEE WHAT'S ON ITWIRE TV NOW!
