Zipline, a California-based drone delivery company, has launched its new Platform 2 (P2) system. The P2 system includes an electric fixed-wing vertical-takeoff and landing (VTOL)-capable drone along with a detachable delivery droid that integrates with docking stations at customer distribution hubs. It is important to note that the P2 drones function nearly autonomously, are capable of steering and directing themselves, and can keep payloads in an upright position while traveling.
The P2 Zip hovers more than 300 feet above the ground at the delivery point, keeping its blades and noise away from people (and trees and wires and buildings) to let down its tethered droid. The droid is self-steering and lowers loads inside of it. The P2 system is built for ultra-precise delivery anywhere. The company has quietly become a major player in the nascent but potentially important drone delivery market. The new drone brings aerial delivery closer for millions more of us.
Self-Steering Delivery Drones
Zipline Announced its 'Platform 2' Drone Delivery Service
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Delivery Drones - Opportunity for companies to develop and improve self-guided drones for accurate and efficient deliveries.
2. Detachable Delivery Droids - Innovation potential in creating separate, self-steering delivery droids that can integrate with docking stations at customer distribution hubs.
3. Vertical-takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Drones - Opportunity for advancement in VTOL drone technology, as this type of drone is part of Zipline's P2 system that can hover above the delivery point at a safe distance.
Industry Implications
1. Logistics and Delivery - The P2 system shows promise to disrupt current logistics and delivery methods by offering accurate, efficient, and autonomous deliveries.
2. Drone Manufacturing - Opportunities for companies to develop and manufacture autonomous, VTOL drones and self-steering delivery droids.
3. Healthcare - Zipline's current focus is on medical supplies delivery, highlighting the potential for drone deliveries in the healthcare industry.