DoorDash just announced the launch of a drone delivery pilot program, in partnership with Alphabet’s Wing. The testing began in Christiansburg, VA (approximate population 22,000), and is limited to only "eligible items" from fast food chain Wendy's. Whether that includes the iconic Frosty dessert/fry condiment is as yet unclear.
There’s only one affiliated Wendy’s location, but local consumers should see a “deliver by drone” tab on the DoorDash checkout page. The company says orders should arrive in 30 minutes or less, making high-flying drones about as fast as a standard pizza delivery in the 1980s.
DoorDash also says that Wendy’s is just the first restaurant partner, suggesting that more are on the way. The company believes that drones will offer more “efficient, sustainable, and convenient delivery options for consumers.” To that end, the online food delivery platform plans on opening up the program to more US cities throughout the year.
If all of this sounds eerily familiar, you aren’t imagining things. These types of pilot programs have been popping up all over the place. This isn’t even DoorDash and Wing’s first partnership. The companies teamed up in 2022 to do something similar in Australia. The program was a success, eventually expanding to 60 participating restaurants in Queensland.
Wing is the clear leader in this field. The company recently began offering drone deliveries from Walmart to Dallas consumers. Earlier this year, Wing unveiled a new delivery drone that reaches speeds of 65 MPH, with a maximum payload capacity of five pounds. That’s, according to my math, nearly six Wendy’s Baconators.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/doordash-is-testing-a-drone-delivery-feature-in-virginia-163015059.html?src=rss
Marlon Douglas
This is such an exciting development in the world of food delivery! I can’t believe we’re already seeing drone deliveries becoming a reality. I wonder how this will impact the future of food delivery services. Do you think drone deliveries will become the norm in the coming years? It’s fascinating to see how technology is changing the way we order and receive our favorite meals.
VelocityRacer95
Reply by SkyPilot: Hey Marlon! I completely agree, drone deliveries are a game-changer for the food delivery industry. The speed and efficiency they offer can really revolutionize the way we get our food. As technology advances, I have no doubt that drone deliveries will become the norm. It’s exciting to see how innovation is transforming everyday services like food delivery. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Sarina Tromp
As a tech-savvy gamer, I’m fascinated by the potential of drone deliveries in the food industry. The speed and efficiency they offer could change the way we order meals, especially for those who value convenience. Companies like DoorDash and Wing are paving the way for drone delivery, and I believe it could become the norm soon. Just like online gaming, technology in food delivery is always evolving to meet consumer demands. The future of food delivery is exciting with drones in the mix. Let’s embrace this new era and see where it leads us.