Delivery services might just get spiced up with new rules set by the U.S., a drone. The little, commonplace things frequently serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come in a world where technology advances more quickly than legislation. A few years ago, it seemed like something from science fiction that a buzzing machine in the sky would drop a package or a hot drink at your door. Today, that vision is becoming more real, not because of a spectacular invention, but rather because the long-standing regulations are being changed, and it is something to pay close attention to.
Filmmaking, farming, and delivery might all be revolutionised by the new drone rule
The Transportation Department is proposing new rules to speed the deployment of drones beyond the visual line of sight of operators, a key change needed to advance commercial uses like package deliveries. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a press conference on Tuesday,
“We are going to unleash American drone dominance.”
Under current rules, operators need to get individual waivers or exemptions to use drones without visual line of sight. The department said eliminating those requirements “will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products, including lifesaving medications.”
The proposal includes new requirements for manufacturers, operators, and drone traffic-management services to keep drones safely separated from other drones and airplanes. Duffy said,
“It’s going to change the way that people and products move throughout our airspace… so you may change the way you get your Amazon package, you may get a Starbucks cup of coffee from a drone. Industry needs this rule to make sure they can use this technology that’s going to allow them to do business more efficiently and effectively.”
500 million drone deliveries are anticipated annually by Amazon
Amazon AMZN.O resumed testing drone deliveries earlier this year at two locations in Texas and Arizona. Amazon has a goal of delivering 500 million packages annually by drone by the end of 2030. Under the proposal, operations would occur at or below 400 feet above ground from pre-designated locations approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Which is something that will push delivery boundaries.
Operators would identify boundaries and approximate daily flights and takeoff, landing and loading areas and ensure procedures if communications with drones are lost. Drones would yield to all manned aircraft broadcasting their position and not interfere with operations at airports. The Transportation Security Administration would require flight coordinators and others to obtain a security threat assessment and record checks.
What does this imply for both large corporations and everyday citizens?
This change could be a game-changer for big businesses. For more than ten years, Amazon has been experimenting with drone delivery, but it has had trouble progressing beyond small-scale trials. Starbucks has also expressed interest in air delivery, particularly in crowded places where conventional modes of transportation might be slow. This could allow brands to soar just as Meta is soaring, as AI lifts ad revenue despite high costs.
Lawmakers and many state officials have raised concerns about drones being used to target high-profile U.S. events like the FIFA World Cup. Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International CEO Michael Robbins praised the risk-based proposal as “a critical step toward enabling drone operations that will enhance safety, transform commercial services, and strengthen public safety with drones as a force multiplier.” It serves as a reminder that technology not only alters our daily activities but also compels us to see things like China’s robot soccer team as part of this technological initiative as well.
GCN.com/Reuters