Giant delivery drones are coming, but at what cost?

Companies like Google, Amazon, and UPS are planning to fill the skies with autonomous cargo-carrying drones. These new cargo drones are a fast and eco-friendly alternative to traditional package delivery that could save you time and money. But, before this trend can take off customers have to be comfortable with giant drones flying over their neighborhoods.
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[@TheVerge]

How would you feel about cargo drones flying through your neighborhood?

[@lolindirlink]

Sounds good! As it's definitely an improvement to many incapable delivery guys. Many delivery company's over here use freelancers nowadays, They miss proper education, the quality of their service lacks a lot! it's ridiculous really! but it's Cheaper in the short run... get these drones flying asap as they're cheaper in the short and long run.

[@aceyage]

Cheaper rent!

[@matthewconnor5483]

I live near a military base so I'm already used to helicopters flying low over the city. Doubt these any of these aircraft will be any louder the a UH-60 or a CH-47.

[@Lastman10101]

Great video. Keep up the great work Verge.

[@JesbaamSanchez]

The future is here

[@MikoajBazaczek]

Pls consider using SI units in your scripts for those not cursed with Imperial system.

[@ScriptedMatt]

Smh Imperial..... such primitive technology

[@afiqikkeri7958]

Exactly!

[@maxwiktorsson]

All about The Verge is very focused on America... smh

[@misterwriter]

Seconded, please make this a thing! 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@britainreynolds7365]

Nah. Who landed on the moon?

[@Skillseboy1]

"Could come near you" Listen up, I live in the Netherlands. Our government usually takes a decade or two before the law permits these types of vehicles.

[@hdjzjs9153]

Sevenhundred pounds, twentyfivehundred nautical miles, wth?? Please use SI units

[@donwarner6925]

Hd Jzjs google it Einstein

[@TannerK.]

Why do people complain so much about this when they can do a 10 second search on unit conversions? You have an amazing device at your fingertips and you can search almost anything on it. It would have been faster to google the unit conversion rather than complaining about the video not telling measurements in metric as well. It is mind blowing!

[@markifi]

180 knots is 350 kph 700 pounds is 340 kg 2500 nautical miles is about 4500 kilometres

[@peepopalaber]

@Monster Fueled (been to the moon) using the metric unit.

[@kadmow]

In aviation and maritime industries everyone uses nautical miles (SI and non SI countries alike). A pound is about half a kg, what's the hassle. Using Nautical Miles makes navigation easy, 1nautical mile (NM) - (rough estimate =2km [1.852]) is about a minute of latitude anywhere and a minute of longitude at the equator [1 minute of longitude anywhere~ "NM"(distance-east/west)*cos(latitude angle) at any latitude]. At 180 kts that is 3 degrees per hour - 3 "minutes of arc" -great circle- per minute. (3440 NM - 6371km - mean radius)

[@over00lordunknown12]

10% of comments: Talking about drones 90% of comments: UsE thE SI sySteM PleaSe

[@elionuseini6672]

😂 Exacly, as that would help

[@erniezahn4736]

The DJI remote was clever :D

[@bri1085]

Trump has decided they're spying on you unfortunately

[@antoniogriffin7135]

💪🏽🔥

[@UNVIRUSLETALE]

Please use SI, who are imperial units for? Myanmar? Liberia?

[@flybeep1661]

You forgot those other idiots....who was it again..... oh I know AMERICANS.

[@TastyMangos]

Fly Beep I totally understand but the intended audience is for Americans I assume.

[@mmcleod06]

I'm one of those "Americans" but I agree that using both Imperial and metric measurements would help for a wider audience. The internet is almost global except for some places that either censor it or are attempting to sever themselves from it.

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

I remember a time not that long ago when there were four holdouts, and soon enough, Liberia will be off that list (when they get a chance to work on stuff like this between all the bigger problems they have to deal with **cough*child-soldiers*cough**). Myanmar uses the Burmese system but uses Metric when dealing with other countries, which it does far, _far_ less often than good ol' Uncle Sam. Muricans seem to actually _fear_ Metric. 😕🤔

[@s.flanders]

@@user-vn7ce5ig1z Even rational Americans who don't fear metric are weary of the difficulties of making such a drastic systematic change. Maybe it would be worth it, but the cost would be huge.

[@Nishith8]

A well researched video but please use SI system

[@Stambo59]

This is the real reason hobbyists are being regulated out of the sky in so many countries.

[@imperialsecuritybureau6037]

So I’m not allowed to fly my

[@optimisticnihlist9705]

@@imperialsecuritybureau6037 as a drone enthusiast, it makes sense. Recreational activity needs to be sidelined to advance purposes that actually advance the economy

[@DJaquithFL]

People need to look at the environmental impact of mining the raw materials for making the batteries.

[@dr.zoidberg8666]

It's not what it's hyped up to be -- no more impactful than mining iron, for instance. & In the case of the rare earth metals that go into electronics & batteries, most of those are mined in desert environments where there is no ecosystem to be disturbed. Furthermore, most battery makers have reduced significantly their use of cobalt (one of the elements most often complained about), & many are well on their way to getting cobalt completely out of their batteries. More to the point, the manufacture of batteries does not actually require greenhouse gas pollution, & after they're made they operate clean for the rest of their life cycles (which can be decades). Batteries are many orders of magnitude better for the environment than fossil fuels; even relatively clean burning fossil fuels like natural gas. Don't let the fossil fuel lobby fool you about that for one second. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Even current gen batteries are sustainable, to say nothing of the even cleaner advancements currently in the lab like solid state batteries.

[@E85420]

@@dr.zoidberg8666 there are things that live in desert my friend everything has an effect there is less stuff that lives there but it still is a small eco system.

[@TheGreatCooLite]

What happened to your job? UPS workers in the future: *Gone, reduced to atoms*

[@stefanvdw7895]

The Great CooLite ,,,Hello, I work at UPS, nice to meet you! I love disruptive technology because it advances us as a society. But a lot of people fear it because: what’s going to happen to my job if it becomes automated? Well jobs don’t necessarily disappear, they just move over to new fields; engineering, software and maintenance of said automation. So I am quite excited for this, although drones makes a lot of noise, thats probably going to be the biggest issue here. Peace

[@5674inCincy]

there goes the peaceful quiet of the skies...noise will be all encompassing

[@glorysky1998]

How loud will that be in the future...

[@TheBigCheese233]

knots, feet, -foot, pounds , nautical what?

[@ushuz]

knots and nautical miles are widely used in aviation

[@TheAxlin]

@@ushuz I mean that's cool and all, but a vast majority of people watching this video aren't sailors or pilots, so conversions would have been useful.

[@TheBigCheese233]

@@ushuz I knew, still it says nothing to me thanks

[@eyezak_m]

American and Aviation Measurements

[@alextrioLee]

I realize the cargo drones are tested 1st in optimal environmental conditions. I would like to see honest videos of them through fair wind and rain conditions. For, Metro (close to glass skyscrapers and rooftops). Rural (landing in whitecap waves close to some docks)

[@sebasfavaron]

Please put an annotation with kg and km for the rest of the world that watches! :)

[@Stambo59]

@Hueborn Believe it or not, there is a world outside the US, they almost all use the metric system. So yes, many people want to see metric equivalents to the antiquated imperial system.

[@AnthonyCarpenterJr]

Lol to all the folks complaining that an American KZbin channel is using American units of measurement🤣🤣🤣

[@abbbbio]

I watched the video. I understood everything but at the same time I couldn't understand anything. Very informative, yet I learnt little about drones. Use both imperial and the international system please

[@Nizanator]

Just wanted to say this was a really well done video, it was very well researched and the host did an excellent job keeping things on topic and engaging... Great job!

[@nickgehr6916]

*It's time to prepare our catapult boys!!*

[@antoniogriffin7135]

Baaaahahaha..nooo

[@shirazoldchannel]

noise is the big one. solving noise seems unlikely in the near-mid future. also unmentioned: birds

[@dr.zoidberg8666]

I disagree with your comment on noise -- even current gen drones can't be heard at 400 feet.

[@SI-up7zi]

Predator drones delivering parcels! That's gonna go wrong 💥

[@giantasparagus]

the interview shot at 4:10 made this video

[@antoniogriffin7135]

💪🏽🔥🤩

[@my2cents395]

I can see this carrying mail from distribution center to post office and return. Travelling in a straight line non stop in 3 dimensions must have a multitude of benefits.

[@BWAcolyte]

The nautical mile is used internationally and he gave good explanation as to why it is used (he still could've added a conversion note for the rest of us non-pilots though)

[@altamashparwaiz2097]

A gigantic battery technology breakthrough required

[@brainmind4070]

Drones don't need to be electric-powered. There are gas and hybrid systems.

[@Isaac-ul8yz]

super exciting if they can get it down to near perfection i'm all for it..

[@yagovips]

" at jet liner elevation" No my dude, no

[@TheNuvish]

Air density at that altitude is so low no propeller powered vehicles can fly and they think drones will

[@Make-Asylums-Great-Again]

Vishnu Pillai ww2 fighters(prop) flew at “jetliner altitudes”. Yes my child, yes.

[@garychristenson6370]

Just what we need -- mixing drones in with passenger jet traffic. Now there is s great idea.

[@EitanEhrlich]

When will the "snap" per say happen. Like what happened to any field, when will this become the most ideal in the delivery industry?

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

⁽* ᵖᵉʳ ˢᵉ⁾

[@robinpm9749]

You mention carbon footprint being reduced. Can you please put in the source for that information? I couldn't find it in the article.

[@MrCTruck]

Battery technology and infrastructure has to catch up first. Not to mention those corrupt dinosaurs we call politicians.

[@yellowboxpl]

700 pounds, 2500 miles what is he talking about?

[@jonc7371]

freedom numbers, learn them

[@marios1861]

@@jonc7371 "freedom"

[@ryanm9371]

They are the same units that put 12 men on the moon

[@spencer6742]

4:15 clever idea on using that controller

[@LimitedWard]

I got a DJI commercial at the start of this video

[@harrypotter1155]

I REALLY LIKE HOW HE DELIVERS. NICE ONE VERGE!

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

The freedom of our air space is the cost

[@genericeric0102]

It's about replacing Pilots that Fly Planes and Jets, it's going to happen.

[@arsenalabove]

But is it more efficient overall? Last I checked the wheel is way more efficient than four props. Now if we're talking a hybrid fixed wing design. Then I can see it. The biggest issue is power efficiency and range.

[@bluerath]

@Rick Lokers but the truck is able to deliver multiple packages at once, most of the drones shown in the video will be able to do 1 so you'd have to fill the sky with them to match the trucks. That or make drones that can do more than one delivery at a time but like i said i didn't really see one in the video.

[@neiloppa2620]

This is a very fascinating market space.

[@harblot]

Thank you Verge

[@joachimpetersen2301]

It's interesting how a lot of the technological advances made through history were first done through the military before becoming commercialised. Used for destruction first before constructive/ prgressive uses.

[@movinperera]

1919: I bet there will be flying cars in the future. 2019: You bet we have.

[@armitylekhona585]

Drones are better than flying cars

[@bri1085]

Doubt they were thinking of flying cars back then

[@E85420]

its the government and the faa that won't allow flying cars or drones for you and me to fly around.

[@armitylekhona585]

@@E85420 why ?

[@E85420]

@@armitylekhona585 they will continue to say its for your safety they stopped heli taxi in new york after one accident in the past (heli taxi is not the right name but it was in the 60s or 70s). its been awhile since i read it but its a pipe dream they will not allow for safety reasons and now terrorism. Sorry but I would love to see it also but they will never allow it as of right now.😭

[@koheitanaka0622]

Not being able to comprehend these payload capacity made this video half as interesting.

[@hillarymalima8571]

I need to know more about Cargo Drones, range and payloads

[@JimmyWillysson]

Fun having a stream of them over the house..

[@OwenRULESSS]

Noise pollution isn’t an afterthought on this topic but it feels like one in this vid

[@user-in4ex3tr4d]

please use SI units wtf are noughtical miles ??

[@louissmit2220]

A nautical mile is one minute (1/60 of a degree) of latitude. SI/Metric countries use it too. But apart from that yes please use SI.

[@marios1861]

nautical miles are the only si unit that uses the word miles. that's what is confusing you

[@BManStan1991]

So excited for cargo drones tbh. Hopefully it’ll free up traffic a little.

[@galib1992ict]

Delivery guys! Find your job alternatives

[@411talha]

2:08 That's just a plane

[@MatureManure]

If there is no pilot, then it isn't

[@toxic-pain8039]

But it can't deliver happiness .

[@mushyomens6885]

I felt that

[@kivsa85]

Yes it can, I'll be very happy when it'll happen

[@toxic-pain8039]

cphginger I guess😂😂

[@toxic-pain8039]

smootskin but not me😢😢

[@Lastman10101]

Trust is key. Privacy is most people concern over service, money for the companies and the environment.

[@andrewrobotbuilder]

Comment analysis: 5%: Topic-relevant concerns and discussions 47%: IMPERIAL UNITS?! BRING IN THE SI! WE'RE NOT BARBARIANS OR LIVING IN THE 7TH CENTURY!! 47%: IMPERIAL TOOK US TO THE MOON, WHAT EXCUSE DO YOU HAVE?!

[@Edzhjus]

Drone logistics are useful for smaller packages but they are weather effected. 🌀 5:54 The 5th Element movie was popular for a reason 😉

[@Arcgateway]

When first cars were introduced there was a person walking in front of a car with a bell because of some regulations. Same situation here.

[@mattdumbrill8324]

I think the low carbon thing isn't amazing as if delivery trucks were electrified, it would have the same effect and would be much easier.

[@legendp2011]

my biggest concern is noise, it killed the concord so I don't know how cargo drones will fare

[@Known-unknowns]

You’re right. Residents are already complaining about noise. Most videos on KZbin are silent because the drone sounds like a thousand bees. This business isn’t the future businessmen think.

[@rajifredrick2128]

As long as they have their own runway stations not to direct customer per say, as well as solar panels

[@dimbatfpv7860]

The size of a B777 and 2 ton payload? Are you sure about those numbers? A traditional B777 with passengers onboard can still load 10 to 20 tons of cargo. The freighter version can load upto 100 tons of cargo.

[@ez1ollie]

How are these drones powered?

[@austinbartose6527]

They aren’t cleaner, and they are definitely not economical

[@brandonleesanders]

Yeah this sounds all good but let's be real... Drones aren't going to be doing individual home deliveries. There will official local Drop Off & Pick Up locations similar to a post offices that drones will deliver packages to. You'll receive a text notification that your package has arrived. This is the future of this industry. Just watch....

[@g-palmer4760]

I agree Brandon... I personally shudder at the idea of thousands of drones (unpiloted) crashing into each other, orwhizzing over our heads, ready to drop their cargo onto innocent people below. Take civil aviation... highly controlled, with aircraft following very strict flightpaths and tight timetables, and flying to and from very specific locations (airports). And as we know, these sometimes crash - even with 2 pilots on board and a clever autopilot system - and we are well aware of the consequences. If this zany idea comes to fruition, then you can be sure it will take its lead from current Civil Aviation format and legislation.

[@pkminime]

Also check out ‘The Black Swan’ from Dronamics, great project

[@louisalexallen]

Please consider showing your sources in the description.

[@mainer7642]

Drones are noisy! I have a Phantom4 that I don't fly anymore because it really distresses the wildlife in my area.

[@alondraramirez4668]

so basically Parks & Recreation (the show) predicted the future?

[@jakehix8132]

That moment when every balcony becomes a delivery zone..... moving companies win.

[@kalebarmor5143]

They did it

[@realRickSanchez]

Forget regulations the main issues with drones today is battery capacity, specially for drones that don't use wings.

[@dr.zoidberg8666]

Charge density is improving at a steady pace even in lithium ion batteries. Solid state batteries are also right around the corner (maybe 2-3 years to market) & even first gen solid state batteries will likely have around 3x the charge density of a lithium ion battery.

[@darkstar795]

To all those complaining about not using SI: Imperial units are the standard units used in aviation

[@darkstar795]

@Hernando Malinche Now they know

[@nikopriest6762]

How about a plane that can fly with cargo in it... call it a Cargo Plane! It'll do wonders

[@negkoray]

Meet the Jetsons, Duh dooh daah duuuhh

[@Al-zu5yh]

amazing tech.

[@pandora808]

It's weird to see a video about this without even mentioning that the google wing company is doing this commercially in australia today. Not in theory, not experimental, it's already happening and this video pretends like it's something that might happen eventually?

[@NomadicJulien]

Google : Free shipping (as long as we can collect your data and take a picture of you, your family, your house while you pickup your free chromecast)

[@scikick]

But what about the last feet delivery? I'll still have to carry the bed upstairs into my room. :(

[@Jehty_]

Not if you have a roof window.

[@acpck]

Ever heard about SI system? Welcome to the civilized world!

[@evvte]

But will they have anti-static pads 🤔

[@dainazinas]

"Could", this could that, that could this, could, could, could......

[@connelly6375]

Maybe more efficient for single package delivery in a remote area, but I really doubt that it is more efficient in a typical residential area. A lot of delivery trucks at changing over to electric to.

[@dr.zoidberg8666]

Are they? They're all still gas in my neck of the woods.

[@kazsmaz]

There's a reason nobody's made a silent helicopter that can carry 200lbs

[@kazsmaz]

@D V the reason nobody's made one is because its impossible to make a 10ft blade spinning at 3000rpm be quiet. They're loud from 3 miles away never mind landing in a neighbourhood to deliver a package.

[@mdsna4695]

Ohhhhh where do I get those big batteries?

[@multivitaminsaft6]

Little Feedback, great video as always The Verge, but could you include metric units mabey in form a graphic sidenote? would help out your international fanbase :D

[@hansanaabhayapala6339]

Jokes on him, theres already delivery drones whizzing above my head

[@bguddafool]

Can’t wait exciting times

[@mrsgbee8246]

Bring it on. Can’t wait for the day things get delivered properly. There is too much corruption in delivery here in Wales. Its impossible to get anything delivered to the outbacks here without some criminal having a hand in it.

[@Gabriel.4190]

Powering that many drones doesnt seem economically feasible.

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

Privacy and noise aren't the only things that would be impacted by delivery drones, so would jobs. Truck drivers and delivery personnel would be (mostly) obsolete.

[@over00lordunknown12]

Just waiting for someone to throw/drop a huge net over one...

[@american5564]

Why don’t they just remote pilot 747’s?

[@royliu2864]

So what if I shoot one

[@Taahmim]

Bomb Carrying Drones has a massive use now a days.

[@noutram1000]

Use anydral blade tips to reduce noise -see Joby.

[@sara_m]

Nautilus is the file manager I use

[@RakshithPrakash]

Linux?

[@sara_m]

@@RakshithPrakash Yep, Gnome

[@arjunchatterjee9362]

Free one day delivery for the first 5000 UBI registrants.

[@manikyamracha8957]

Raining time how it works

[@chrisklugh]

I don't think this is going to be part of the rosy future we all hope to enjoy.

[@juansanchezfernandez2942]

Nice video at well researched but pls for the next time use also SI units

[@ericjx]

2017 Study as a reference? sUAS technology has advanced substantially since 2017. I imagine the study was also more in line with recreational sUAS's. Seriously though, what we had even just a couple years ago has been surpassed.. the capability is there.. the biggest issue continues to be powering these aircraft. I'm not even concerned about airspace issues -- they're generally much smaller than the average aircraft.

[@yeetus_reetus_deeleetus]

*but at what cost?*