Uber Drone Delivery: Latest Updates and Trials

Uber to Resume Drone Delivery Trials with Flytrex

Uber is preparing to reintroduce drone delivery services for Uber Eats customers in select U.S. locations before the year concludes.

This initiative is being launched through a new collaborative effort with Flytrex, an Israeli-based startup specializing in drone technology.

Partnership Details and Investment

Alongside the operational partnership, Uber will be making a financial investment in Flytrex. However, the sum of this investment is considered non-significant, as confirmed to Bloomberg News.

The move signifies a renewed interest from Uber in technologies it previously pursued internally.

Broader Technological Re-engagement

Uber is actively re-engaging with technologies it once developed in-house. This includes collaborations with autonomous vehicle firms like Waymo to provide self-driving ride options in cities such as Atlanta.

Furthermore, Uber has ambitions to integrate electric air taxis into its service offerings within the coming years.

Past Trials and Evolving Regulations

Initial drone delivery trials were conducted by Uber as early as 2019. However, these efforts were discontinued due to restrictions imposed by drone regulations.

Subsequently, Uber divested its “Elevate” aviation division to Joby, an air taxi company.

Currently, the regulatory landscape surrounding novel aircraft types is becoming more permissive.

Flytrex's Existing Operations

Companies like Zipline are actively working to establish aerial delivery as a commonplace service.

Flytrex already collaborates with DoorDash, a competitor to Uber Eats, and reports having completed “over 200,000 deliveries” throughout the United States.

This demonstrates the growing viability and adoption of drone delivery solutions.