Delivery Drone in Australia

Google recently began testing a new proof-of-concept robot in Australia that’s aimed at getting autonomous delivery drones off-the-ground once and for all. Part of Google X Project Wing, the working drone is a first step in launching a fully functioning service – something that has been delayed in the U.S. by the need to have a regulatory framework that addresses privacy and safety concerns that govern the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The new drone uses a vertical takeoff or landing (VTOL) system which allows it to fly fast but also to hover. Packages are delivered by means of a winch, a spool of high grade fishing line, and a gadget that goes down with the package (dubbed the “egg”). When the egg detects that it has reached the ground, it releases the package and sends a signal to the UAV hovering above to crank it back up. An emergency release allows the UAV to cut the line in the event of a problem.

Drawing on experience with their driverless car program, Google’s next step will be developing an infrastructure that will allow drones to fly safely. But, unlike cars that move in two dimensions, UAVs need to operate in three dimensions, and over much wider areas.