Google tests aid-drones in Queensland

Rosie Baker
By Rosie Baker | 29 August 2014
 

Google is testing drones in Queensland, Australia, as part of its Google X division's Project Wing to work out how to operate a speedy delivery system.

The project aims to develop drones that can deliver items by air quickly.

Google believes drones could boost the US economy by US$13.6 billion in the first three years. The potential uses down the line are broad and range from commercial deliveries to delivering medical and food aid to remote locations, warzones and natural disaster areas.

Brands are also looking at how they can use drones to create content, like Tourism New Zealand's Drone Selfies campaign last month.

The tests in Queensland used the un-manned flying vehicles to deliver first aid kits, food and water to Aussie farmers in the bush.

Google said: “Australia’s rolling hills, open sky and long standing history of innovation with UAVs provided the perfect opportunity to safely put our prototype vehicles and delivery system through their paces outside of a controlled lab environment.”

“Self-flying vehicles could open up entirely new approaches to moving goods – including options that are cheaper, faster, less wasteful and more environmentally sensitive than what’s possible today.

"Throughout history, major shifts in how we move goods from place to place have led to new opportunities for economic growth and generally made consumers’ lives easier. From steam ships to the railroads, from the postal service to delivery services like FedEx and DHL, speed has reshaped society not only with greater convenience but also by making more goods accessible to more people.”

The team is now back in California looking at the results.

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