PR NEWSWIRE
Coffee Report
Home delivery by drone
Convenience retailer 7-Eleven and Flirtey, an independent delivery drone service, completed the first fully autonomous drone delivery to a customer's residence. The event was, in part, to provide advance testing on the feasibility and safety of using drones for customer deliveries.
The delivery also served, of course, as a publicity stunt for the now 89-year-old convenience store chain.
"This delivery required special flight planning, risk analysis, and detailed flight procedures ensuring residential safety and privacy were equally integrated," said Chris Walach, director of operations for Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems.
The Flirtey drone delivery container carried hot and cold items, including a chicken sandwich, donuts, and hot coffee to the backyard of a family who participated in the trial.
"My wife and I both work and have three small children ages 7, 6 and 1. The convenience of having access to instant, 24/7 drone delivery is priceless," said Reno resident "Michael," who received the Flirtey delivery. "It's amazing that a flying robot just delivered us food and drinks in a matter of minutes."
7-Eleven operates 10,800 stores in North America and 59,500 worldwide.
In late August the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is expected to make rule changes that allow the operation of small, unmanned aircraft in the national airspace.
Learn more: http://flirtey.com/