Uber may soon get into the drone delivery business as well. A new report claims that Uber is looking to start food deliveries through drones this summer. The service will initially be available in San Diego. Uber has been talking about the possibility of running a trial here since last year and today’s report suggests that it may be close to doing that.
The deliveries won’t be made to customers’ homes directly, though. The drones will drop orders at “designated safe landing zones” where Uber couriers are going to unload the package by hand and then bring it to the customer’s doorstep.
These landing zones could even be roofs of parked Uber vehicles which the drones will recognize using QR codes. The company will also reportedly launch its own customized drone later this year which will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
It may not cost too much to have your food delivered via drone compared to regular delivery from Uber Eats. The company reportedly plans on keeping the same delivery pricing which can range up to $8.50. The company estimates that drones will be able to make a delivery over a 1.5 mile distance in only seven minutes wheras the same would take over 21 minutes via a car or cyclist.