First FAA-Approved Drove Deliveries Coming July 17

[akattkisson]

The FAA has approved the use of drones to deliver prescription medications at a West Virginia event in July.

First FAA-Approved Drove Deliveries Coming July 17 : Read more

 

[lorribot]

So you have drones in the air with drugs and an armed populous and you guys in the US think that is a good idea?
I would imagine there will be many no fly zones for drones and one or two stray shots taking out innocent bystanders before some one says that maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

 

[JackKennedy]

The article incorrectly references West Virginia instead of Virginia, but the comment insinuates a stereotype of a people based upon a prejudicial view of Central Appalachian Mountain rural people and your erroneous perception of them. Sadly, this type of division serves no one. Unfortunate your comment.

 

[mcgrawcm]

Love the idea of drone delivery in theory, but it will be interesting to observe the many ways in which this system will undoubtedly go awry before it matures. For example, if the meds are truly important, one would anticipate minimal tolerance for delays in delivery, and yet this system is likely to be less reliable than human delivery in its early days. I'm also concerned that although things might run smoothly under the best case scenario, it would seem that anyone could easily disrupt this supply chain for personal gain or mischief. And the elimination of a delivery person places more onus for safe delivery on staff at the receiving side, who might not have previously had any official role in delivery.

 

[Coot25]

Does anyone seriously want these things cluttering up the sky, adding to noise pollution, and posing a danger when (not if) they crash? I see local municipalities imposing bans asap, and I hope mine does so. And speaking of an armed population, how many will resist shooting these things out of the sky -- not to steal what they're delivering, but because they're utterly annoying (or just for fun)? This is an example of a corrupt system, in which a government agency has been influenced by corporations who want to pollute the skies so they can make more money.

 

[Nine Layer Nige]

On a plus side, I see this of great use in disaster areas where essential meds and water could be droned in by their 100's or even 1,000's, leaving the real helicopters to airlift out casualties.

On a flipside, I see regular mail couriers losing their jobs, or actually re-skilling as virtual drone pilots.
Whatever happens, hopefully, the 'good' potential outways the 'bad' risks.
I expect as a joint development, "drone-slayer" automatic laser cannons will be able to strike rogue drones carrying terrorist payloads destined for government or military targets. So, the battleground evolves.

 

[ubercake]

PULL!...