Amazon testing drones for deliveries: many challenges to overcome
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has responded to news that Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, is testing unmanned drones to deliver goods to customers.
Lambert Dopping-Hepenstal from the IET said: “We are very likely to see a lot of progress in this area over the next decade.
“However, there are many challenges to overcome. Top of the list is the need to mature the technologies and demonstrate to the regulators that Unmanned Aircraft can operate safely in our airspace. The ASTRAEA programme in the UK is addressing this. Initially we would anticipate that high value packages, such as transplant organs, be candidates for such a service.”
“The most important criteria for their introduction is that they must be at least as safe as the equivalent manned aircraft.”
