Amazon’s new MK30 Prime Air drone is displayed during Amazon’s “Delivering the Future” event at the company’s BFI1 Fulfillment Center, Robotics Research and Development Hub in Sumner, Washington on Oct. 18, 2023.
Jason Redmond | AFP | Getty Images
Amazon is currently under scrutiny from federal agencies following an incident in Tolleson, Arizona, where two of its Prime Air delivery drones collided with a construction crane. The incident has led to a temporary suspension of drone delivery services in the affected area, raising questions about the safety and reliability of Amazon’s ambitious drone delivery program.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. EST in Tolleson, a city located west of Phoenix. According to reports, two MK30 drones collided with the boom of a stationary crane actively engaged in roof work at a distribution facility in a commercial zone, situated just a few miles from an Amazon warehouse. Preliminary reports suggest the drones were operating mid-route at the time of the collision.
Local authorities, including Sergeant Erik Mendez of the Tolleson Police Department, confirmed that one individual was evaluated on-site for potential smoke inhalation related to the recovery efforts.
Amazon spokesperson Terrence Clark issued a statement acknowledging the incident: “We’re aware of an incident involving two Prime Air drones in Tolleson, Arizona. We’re currently working with the relevant authorities to investigate.”
Based on preliminary reports from the FAA, both drones sustained “substantial” damage as a result of the mid-air collision, necessitating a thorough investigation into the root cause.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched separate investigations into the incident. The NTSB has yet to release an official statement regarding their involvement.
Law enforcement officials in Tolleson detailed that the drones were believed to be flying in a northeast direction when they impacted the crane, which was being utilized for roof construction on a distribution center. Following the collision, the damaged drones landed in the backyard of a nearby building. This raises concerns about the flight paths and operational parameters of the drones, as well as potential unforeseen hazards in the designated delivery zones.
These probes come on the heels of a similar incident in January, when Amazon temporarily halted drone deliveries in Tolleson and College Station, Texas, following two separate crashes at its Pendleton, Oregon, test site. These prior incidents also triggered investigations by the FAA and NTSB. Amazon resumed drone deliveries in March, citing resolutions related to the drone’s software.
Analysts note that this isn’t just a setback for Amazon’s delivery timeline but also potentially a blow to consumer confidence in drone-based delivery systems. The technology hinges on both safety and reliability, and these repeated incidents could force a re-evaluation of the entire Prime Air program.
For over a decade, Amazon has pursued the vision of delivering packages via drone. Progress has been slow, however, with Prime Air only available in select markets within the United States. These recent crashes further highlight the challenges in scaling drone delivery service. Technological hurdles, regulatory complexities, and airspace management issues remain significant obstacles for Amazon, and the wider drone delivery industry.
Amazon aims to deliver 500 million packages by drone annually by the end of the decade. This latest incident underscores the considerable challenges and technological advancements needed to reach that goal. The investigations by the FAA and NTSB will be critical in determining the future of Amazon’s drone delivery program and the safety standards for the industry as a whole.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/10301.html
