A pilot program was launched by Wing in Ireland and will allow residents to receive deliveries via drones.
Drone delivery specialist, the drone pilot, is currently operating pilots in Brisbane, Canberra, Australia and Helsinki, Finland. There are many locations throughout the U.S., and in the coming weeks it will launch a “small-scale” effort in Lusk, 10 miles north of Dublin.
Wing executive Margaret Nagle this week the Alphabet-owned company is keen to launch a second pilot in the European Union as it believes it’s recently made notable progress in developing regulations for uncrewed aviation that could offer a framework for safe and scalable drone delivery.
Nagle did not provide any details on the exact nature of the drone delivery service Lusk residents could expect. However, if it’s anything like its current efforts, then it’s likely that Wing has partnered with a number of local businesses that will allow select online shoppers to order items such as snacks and drinks, small household items, and medications. Once an order is placed, the drone will fly to the delivery address and lower the goods using a tether before returning back to base.
In other cities where it’s operating, Wing has had to deal with complaints from some residents upset by the noise of drones buzzing over their neighborhood. Wing has been operational since. designed a quieter droneTo alleviate these concerns, Wing created the drone project. Another setback to Wing’s drone project occurred last month when one of its flying machines Power lines were landed in a Brisbane neighborhood, temporarily knocking out the electricity supply for a number of nearby residents.
Nagle indicated that Wing was keen for a smooth launch at Lusk. He said Wing had been in preliminary talks with local leaders concerning its pilot program. In further efforts to show that it’s listening, it’s also inviting residents of the town to a community meeting next week where they can ask questions about Wing’s plans and see the drones up close before they launch into the skies.
Nagle shared that Wing reached a landmark earlier this month with its 300,000th delivery worldwide.
“As this technology continues to expand to new communities, we believe drone delivery will improve the way cities and towns operate by reducing road congestion and creating new economic opportunities for local businesses,” the executive said. “Our electric drones replace fossil fuel-intensive car trips, reducing local and global pollution. This is an additive service that can be incorporated into existing supply chains, giving residents quicker, more efficient access to small deliveries.”
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