The car sharing company Uber has revolutionized the idea of paid transports. Before, you have to wait in line, or wait at a sidewalk for an empty cab to show up. Now, getting a car to take you somewhere is as easy as pressing a button on your phone. This has led to less instances of drunk driving, which has created safer streets.
Yes, these ride sharing apps have been a godsend to people who commute to places regularly. But apparently that’s not the end for Uber’s ambitions. While they have stamped their brand on rides, they are now branching out on food delivery, of all places. While still not perfect, they show a promise that would remove the concept of ‘going out for takeout’ altogether.
‘Uber Eats’ Drone Coming to your Door
Right now, Uber Eats works just like a third party food delivery. They use real drivers to take orders, get the food, and then drive it to their clients. This method, while reliable, does not tackle the main issue with delivery, especially with food – speed. Cars have to face traffic, drivers can get lost, etc. For Uber Eats to truly transcend into the next level, they have to rely on a more modern form of technology. Something more high tech than land-based transport. That is where drones come in.
Drones do not have to go through traffic jams. Drones never get lost, if programmed correctly. So what’s stopping these flying machines from taking your order right now? Well, drones face a stigma that needs addressing first. Privacy can be a main factor for resistance among the government and the people. I mean, who wants a drone snooping around your area? Another is the multitude of regulations surrounding drone flight. This can be tricky, as companies can only apply slowly their methods.
Their drones are also far from perfect. Battery life limits range for delivery drones, making them only short-ranged. Autonomy is another factor to consider. Without a reliable hand at the end of a controller, how far can people trust these flying drones?
But the future does look bright. In a world where drones deliver packages, food, and even coffee to people’s doorsteps, we can spend more time living and less time waiting. Whether that is a good thing or not, depends to be seen.
