Google Drones
Global search behemoth Google announces Project Wing—a drone service that intends to automate the delivery of goods using robot aircrafts. Google has yet to release details regarding the type of drones that will be utilized or the kind of packages it will be delivering. According to David Vos’ announcement, the company’s goal is “to have the commercial business up and running in 2017.” Their announcement comes in the wake of several online retailers, such as Amazon and Alibaba, exploring drone delivery services and tech start-up Starship’s unveiling of their on-ground, autonomous delivery robot prototype. Buzz surrounding Google's drone delivery service goes as far back as 2014,when it was still being developed by Google X. Presumably the project is now under the control of Google’s parent company, Alphabet.
Competitive Convenience
Automating delivery services, whether via drones or robots, are expected to make the logistics and express delivery category more competitive in terms of efficiency and cost. In addition these services have immediate applications in disaster relief scenarios, where they can be used to distribute food and medical supplies in disaster-hit areas.
Despite the positive applications, many concerns over privacy have been raised. Drones can be easily outfitted with various imaging and facial recognition technology, and given their mobility people are concerned that they could be used for unauthorized surveillance. While these concerns are significant, advocates claim that they can be addressed through proper rules and strict enforcement of regulations.
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