Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/amazon-enlists-drones-to-quickly-bring-deliveries-to-your-doorstep Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Amazon enlists drones to bring deliveries to your doorstep Nation Dec 2, 2013 3:52 PM EDT On Sunday, Amazon revealed its latest innovation — Amazon Prime Air, a drone meant to get online shoppers their deliveries faster than normal delivery. How fast? Within 30 minutes or less of purchase. Amazon said that Prime Air won’t be commercially used for several years as it awaits FAA rules and regulations. But one day, the Prime Air FAQ claims, “Prime Air vehicles will be as normal as seeing mail trucks on the road today.” Amazon isn’t the only company developing technology that some may associate with the likes of Star Wars. Knightscope, Inc., a company in California, has created K5 Autonomous Data Machine, a mobile robot that will be used as a security tool for schools, neighborhoods, even the local mall. It’s not quite R2-D2, but it’s close. The machine will have the ability to scan areas for dangerous materials and alert authorities. Will machines soon make human labor obsolete? Economics correspondent Paul Solman explored that question in May 2012. Read more: How are drones used in the U.S.? We’re asking: Do these technologies infringe on your privacy, or do they make life easier? Tell us what you think in the comments below. H/T Colleen Shalby We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now
On Sunday, Amazon revealed its latest innovation — Amazon Prime Air, a drone meant to get online shoppers their deliveries faster than normal delivery. How fast? Within 30 minutes or less of purchase. Amazon said that Prime Air won’t be commercially used for several years as it awaits FAA rules and regulations. But one day, the Prime Air FAQ claims, “Prime Air vehicles will be as normal as seeing mail trucks on the road today.” Amazon isn’t the only company developing technology that some may associate with the likes of Star Wars. Knightscope, Inc., a company in California, has created K5 Autonomous Data Machine, a mobile robot that will be used as a security tool for schools, neighborhoods, even the local mall. It’s not quite R2-D2, but it’s close. The machine will have the ability to scan areas for dangerous materials and alert authorities. Will machines soon make human labor obsolete? Economics correspondent Paul Solman explored that question in May 2012. Read more: How are drones used in the U.S.? We’re asking: Do these technologies infringe on your privacy, or do they make life easier? Tell us what you think in the comments below. H/T Colleen Shalby We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now