Google Testing Drone Delivery System: 'Project Wing'

rtoz writes: Google's research division, Google X, is developing a fleet of drones to deliver goods. This drone delivery system is called "Project Wing," and Google X has been developing it in secret for the past two years. During a recent test in Australia, drones successfully delivered a first aid kit, candy bars, dog treats, and water to a couple of Australian farmers. The self-flying vehicle uses four electrically-driven propellers to get around, and it has a wingspan of about five feet. It weighs just under 19 pounds and can take off and land without a runway. Google's long-term goal is to develop drones that could be used for disaster relief by delivering aid to isolated areas.

Comments

I can see it now

[timrod]

A hurricane hits the southern United States, as hurricanes tend to do. Thousands of people are without food or water, and desperate to get somewhere with food and shelter. Suddenly, a thousand Google drones descend from the sky, carrying much-needed supplies. The people rush toward the landing zones, only to hear:

"Please log in with your Google + account."

One brave man attempts to do so, and the voice continues.

"I'm sorry, but Google now offers new account options. You can choose to merge your existing account, xxNarutoFan93xx, with your personal email registered to Robert Smith. Would you like to do that now and get a free Google + page, or do you have an existing brand or company and not wish to change your displayed name at this time?"

Like the riddle of the Sphinx, the pointless options are too much for poor Robert Smith, alias xxNarutoFan93xx, who slinks back into the crowd, still hungry and thirsty.

Re:I can see it now

[Mr D from 63]

^of course, they will deliver cookies for free. Maybe fly some banner ads behind as well.

Re:Say what you will but this is cool

[i kan reed]

I don't know about you, but I've felt I lived in a sci-fi future since at least smartphones.

Then I remember my smart phone is assembled by an underclass of near slaves with appalling working conditions, whose suffering is hidden from me by layers of marketing, bureaucracy, and inter-corporate supply chains, and I realize, no, it's a cyber-punk future, actually.

I'm just not on the punk side, but instead the blaise upper class side that gets hacked by up-and-coming rebels in cyberpunk stories.

Re:Say what you will but this is cool

[danknight48]

No matter whether it is Google or Amazon who gets this technology running first, and whether it is banned in America for a while, but this is our sci-fi future happening now, and it is amazingly cool to watch.

If you consider "cool" as:
- You falling for Viral Marketing

Then yeah, i suppose its "cool". But to most of us, this is just a clear viral marketing attempt.
Its basic marketing, increase awareness for the company, increase profits.

Amazon did a few months ago, profits and awareness of the company increase.
But yet, wheres the drones or updates on them? Nowhere, why? Because everyone knows they just wouldn't work in our current world, let alone the laws that would prevent its flight.

This is clear viral marketing, dont be the fool and fall for it.

Re:For everyone outside the colonies

[amalcolm]

Ummm, no 19 pounts is about 8.6 kg

Re:For everyone outside the colonies

[ArcadeMan]

Not sure about 19 pounts, but 19 pounds is indeed 8.61826 kg.