Amazon's drones now also deliver smartphones and other devices with batteries

The online retailer Amazon has further expanded its drone delivery service in the USA and is now permitted to deliver battery-powered devices such as smartphones and batteries by drone. Amazon announced this on Tuesday. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave the green light after Amazon proved that the batteries would not be damaged during the delivery process.

Customers of Amazon's Prime Air delivery services who live in the College Station area in the US state of Texas and in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona can now choose from 60,000 products that are delivered by drone. All of these goods weigh less than 2.5 kg and are delivered to the customer within 60 minutes from order to delivery, Amazon promises.

This now also includes devices that contain rechargeable batteries, as well as batteries themselves. Special rules must be observed when transporting these hazardous goods to prevent them from being damaged and bursting into flames when used by the customer. Amazon has changed the delivery process for parcels to ensure this is adhered to. Previously, customers had to place a QR code at the desired drop-off point. This is no longer necessary. The MK30 drone used now independently identifies a suitable delivery zone that is located at the correct delivery address and is free of obstacles. Amazon emphasizes that this works reliably and that parcels do not accidentally land in a swimming pool. Object recognition also ensures that parcels are not dropped near people, animals and other objects.

Drop height adjusted

Amazon has adjusted the drop height of the parcels. Parcels are now dropped from a height of just under 4 meters. As previous tests have shown, damage to the batteries from this drop height is largely ruled out. For lithium-ion batteries, conventional shipping methods are subject to guidelines stipulating that a parcel containing rechargeable batteries must be able to withstand drop tests from a height of 1.2 meters.

The ordering and delivery process stipulates that customers receive a notification about five minutes after placing their order as to exactly when the delivery drone will arrive. Among other things, weather conditions that could affect the flight time are taken into account. If necessary, the delivery by drone can also be canceled so that customers can have the goods delivered in the conventional way.

However, Amazon is currently struggling to make a breakthrough in the delivery of goods by drone. Many customers are reluctant to accept the delivery service. Citizens in College Station, for example, complain about the nuisance caused by drone deliveries. They are even calling on Amazon to give up its Prime Air site there.

(olb)