Amazon Unveils New Drone That Can Deliver in Light Rain and Avoid Hitting People, Pets, and Property

[Tsing]

What are the chances of that future Prime Air delivery smashing into the side of someone's house? Not high, it seems, as Amazon has announced that it has successfully developed a new drone that features some big improvements over the previous model, including what appears to be advanced safety features. The MK30, as it's called, is not only capable of flying in light rain and delivering packages of up to 5 pounds in under an hour, but it also sports what Amazon says is industry-leading “sense and avoid” technology, allowing them to avoid obstacles. Those would include not only property, but also people and pets, which sounds especially great for a company that presumably doesn't want to get sued. Amazon plans to launch ultra-fast drone deliveries in Italy, the UK, and a third location in the U.S. in 2024, while those in College Station, Texas, can get prescription medications delivered in 60 minutes or less via drone beginning today.

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[MadMummy76]

DJI drones had obstacle avoidance 5 years ago at least if not earlier.

 

[Brian_B]

Interesting how going in light rain takes priority over not hitting people/pets/property.

 

[Grimlakin]

The question is. Do I want my package being delivered by Drone in light rain at all. Because you know it's not going to be able to put it under an eve or overhang, let alone a porch.