This is a follow up to...
Amazon now thinking about testing drones for delivery. RIP 4th amendment
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Amazon tests delivery drones at secret Canada site after US frustration
Amazon is testing its drone delivery service at a secret site in Canada, following repeated warnings by the e-commerce giant that it would go outside the US to bypass what it sees as the US federal government’s lethargic approach to the new technology.
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The company wants to offer its customers the ability to have packages dropped on their doorstep by flying robots within 30 minutes of ordering goods online. With innovation in the drone sector reaching lightning speeds, Amazon said it was not prepared to curtail its ambitions because of what Misener said was a lack of “impetus” on the US side of the border.
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The federal agency recently published its guidelines for commercial use of small drones. The new rules will take at least two years to come into effect, a delay which Amazon finds unacceptable.
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The FAA argues that the US has a uniquely difficult job in safeguarding the nation’s skies. It emphasises that it is responsible for the largest, most complex airspace in the world, which, unlike other countries’, is used by a large general aviation fleet.
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The FAA has stated bluntly it does not believe that drones can be flown safely under their own autonomous control, and is insisting that humans must keep them within eyesight at all times. That is a deal-breaker for Amazon Prime Air, which could only function if drones were able to fly well beyond visual line of sight.
This story is so juicy and has so many angles to be explored.
1- The prior thread mentions the 4th Amendment issue
2- Heavy regulations slow down business and technology
3- Will this open up the possibility of attacks by people who want to do harm?
4- Will the heavy regulation and slowness of government cause more businesses to leave the country?
5- If this technology proceeds forth, how will jobs be affected? UPS/FedEx would take a big hit.
6- Is this technology safe for people on the ground?
For me, technology is great, but I don't want too much of it. I probably will prefer the old delivery service instead of Prime Air. Wireless home security is great technology and makes things easier. But if I can control my system by wireless means, so can someone else. No thanks.
As far as drones flying around by various companies for various purposes - I don't know. I am still processing all of the angles. I guess I am where the FAA is - still contemplating...
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