Yahoo Finance Aussie start-up to launch drone delivery service
Australian start-ups Zookal and Flirtey have teamed up to offer what they say would be a world-first service: textbook delivery via drone.
If regulators give the green light, from March of next year Sydney students can order books from Zookal using their smartphones and have a Flirtey drone drop them off at their doorsteps. Customers will also be able to track the delivery in real time using a Google map.
Related: Sandwiches fall from the sky in Melbourne
In 2002, Australia become the first country to begin regulating the use of unmanned aircraft, which is largely curtailed in the US and UK.
Most unmanned aircraft systems being operated in the country are being used for aerial photography and surveying.
Zookal, which specialises in renting textbooks to students, and Flirtey were both co-founded by Ahmed Haider.
"We had a friend working on drones. We sat down and connected the dots and thought it would be amazing to use new technology to solve the biggest logistics program we had," Mr. Haider said.
Related: Extreme marketing stunts
Flirtey co-founder Matt Sweeny says the idea struck him in China, where his McDonald's orders came "in moments" via bicycle.
The battery-powered drones can fly three kilometres and carry up to two kilograms, and are fitted with anti-collision technology to avoid hitting trees, buildings and birds.
They are expected to significantly cut delivery costs, which Mr. Haider expects to fall from $8.60 to 80 cents per order, as well as slash waiting times to as little as two to three minutes.
The company is currently in talks with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Flirtey eventually hopes to use the service to transport food and rinks, as well as emergency items like life vests and blood.
Related: Hobbyist drones find eager buyers
