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Amazon says drone deliveries a possibility once FAA approval is secured
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The following comments relate to this news article:
article published on 2 December, 2013
During a '60 Minutes' airing last night on CBS, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos unveiled his plans for the future of delivery: Amazon Prime Air.
The service will use 8-propeller drones to transport items from Amazon fulfillment centers directly to customer's homes, all in 30 minutes or less.
Bezos did note that the service will require clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ... [ read the full article ]
Please read the original article before posting your comments.
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2. December 2013 @ 22:00 |
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With all the blades on that thing, it looks like a weapon for Jason or Freddy....But Amazon is serious about this thing. (I work there) 5 years isn't gonna happen, though. (Battery limitations, but it's coming)
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Bozobub
Senior Member
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2. December 2013 @ 22:27 |
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I doubt it. One kid with a pellet rifle could get quite a bit of swag from these targe-... I mean, drones.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3. December 2013 @ 07:18
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Mysttic
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3. December 2013 @ 05:56 |
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I seen videos of it in action, and it's as foreseeable as it looks cool. Privacy groups are going all up in arms over it, but honestly I can't see Amazon doing anything worst with these units than the NSA has already done.
Outside FAA approval: the biggest factor would be third party tampering. Can these devices be hacked, if so to do what? Obviously some computer algorithms have to be implemented in order to tell it where to go, as I can't see Amazon hiring man power to fly these things. Even if they did, from there it's like others have said: how do you combat issues like being fired upon, birds, weather, etc... Then from there it's weight limit and size of packaging?
I for one wouldn't mind seeing this take off from the ground; it would be interesting to order in games for the family or essentials to get it same day in a much faster delivery method than trucks. But I also hope they implement some sort of insurance policy in place so that if the drone accidentally crashes, we get guarantees of product replacement.
Quote:
I doubt it. One kid with a pellet rifle could get quite a bit of swag from these targe-... I mean, [i]drones[/].
Then you say to said kid, "Sorry bud but that package was for you: now you don't know if it was games, toys or ammunition inside cause you destroyed it you punk little ...."
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3. December 2013 @ 06:02
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Bozobub
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3. December 2013 @ 07:19 |
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Originally posted by Mysttic:
...Then you say to said kid, "Sorry bud but that package was for you: now you don't know if it was games, toys or ammunition inside cause you destroyed it you punk little ...."
Doesn't work so hot, when it's NOT the intended recipient who brings down the drone, now does it? lol
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yeller
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3. December 2013 @ 07:30 |
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This won't work because of kids with pellet guns, serious? Sounds like you're a hater. Pellets only shoot a hundred feet up, while the drones fly at 1,000 feet. And for all those that want a stolen drone, there will be cameras and GPS all over it, so the local popo will be called when some ass runs at it with a bat.
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Mysttic
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3. December 2013 @ 08:35 |
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Quote:
And for all those that want a stolen drone, there will be cameras and GPS all over it, so the local popo will be called when some ass runs at it with a bat.
Although true, there are stealth methods you can use to take down a drown, disable the GPS and retrieve it safely to keep without being tracked by your persons. Amazon won't likely have their own police on standby to retrieve a fallen unit, there would be plenty of time to take off with the drone in the event someone takes the time and care to do so.
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AfterDawn Addict
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3. December 2013 @ 09:06 |
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Sure they could be stolen...but so could the delivery truck.
This could save the military a lot of money; just order a bomb delivered to the terrorist in festive wrapping...no need to send a $100k missile into a coffee shop, killing 20 other people.
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Bozobub
Senior Member
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3. December 2013 @ 09:41 |
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Originally posted by yeller:
This won't work because of kids with pellet guns, serious? Sounds like you're a hater. Pellets only shoot a hundred feet up, while the drones fly at 1,000 feet. And for all those that want a stolen drone, there will be cameras and GPS all over it, so the local popo will be called when some ass runs at it with a bat.
There are several problems with your assertions:
- A good CO2-powered pellet rifle will shoot far more than 100 feet straight up.
- Civilian drones currently cannot legally fly at 1000 feet in most airspace.
- They have to LAND.
- Maybe not a pellet rifle, but a .22 or .223 (AR-15 clone) with a scope can easily nail targets at 400+ meters (over 1200 feet).
- You leave the drone and take the payload, silly.
I'm not hating on the idea or Amazon. I just don't think it's particularly practical, and it's impossible until the FAA relaxes drone regulations.
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dEwMe
Senior Member
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3. December 2013 @ 12:54 |
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Wow yeah I just don't see it happening. One big issue is range. Will Amazon be putting up distro centers/drone airports all over the place? How far is a 30 min drone flight? This sounds like a gimmick at best. BUT it got us all talking about Amazon didn't it? LOL
Just my $0.02,
dEwMe
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3. December 2013 @ 13:46 |
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Well, after reading this, I'd like one of those drones to deliver whatever Amazon people must have been smoking to me. The sooner the better, folks. Then, I'll be able to get as high as 1000 feet, too. For sure! ;)
"You know, it seems that quotes on the internet are becoming less and less reliable." -Abraham Lincoln.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 4. December 2013 @ 02:41
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Senior Member
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3. December 2013 @ 13:58 |
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GPS doesnt actually stop theives, at most it will give away its locations after the contents have been stolen.providing it doesnt get smashed.
they would be taken down midflight, bb guns,modified laser pointers, how high can someone throw a brick these days.guns are easy to access for americans.
people will try to hack them and camera fitted could be used to spy on people.
lots of things coulkd go wrong lets wait and see what happens.
custom built gaming pc from early 2010,ps2 with 15 games all original,ps3 500gbs with 5 games all original,yamaha amp and 5.1channel surround sound speakers,46inch sony lcd smart tv.
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AfterDawn Addict
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3. December 2013 @ 14:32 |
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Originally posted by Bozobub:
Originally posted by yeller:
This won't work because of kids with pellet guns, serious? Sounds like you're a hater. Pellets only shoot a hundred feet up, while the drones fly at 1,000 feet. And for all those that want a stolen drone, there will be cameras and GPS all over it, so the local popo will be called when some ass runs at it with a bat.
There are several problems with your assertions:
- A good CO2-powered pellet rifle will shoot far more than 100 feet straight up.
- Civilian drones currently cannot legally fly at 1000 feet in most airspace.
- They have to LAND.
- Maybe not a pellet rifle, but a .22 or .223 (AR-15 clone) with a scope can easily nail targets at 400+ meters (over 1200 feet).
- You leave the drone and take the payload, silly.
I'm not hating on the idea or Amazon. I just don't think it's particularly practical, and it's impossible until the FAA relaxes drone regulations.
Yes...AR15s can hit targets at 400 meters assuming they are top quality, dialed in, have good quality ammunition, and (especially for a moving target at a different elevation) have a highly skilled operator...but a $200 9mm pistol with surplus bullets and someone who has ever been to the range doing the shooting can hit the driver of a van while he is driving by. No one starts freaking out about people shooting at aircraft as they land (usually well below 400 meters while over public spaces/roads)...why is it immediately assumed that people are going to start shooting down delivery drones??? What good is a drone that is first shot with a 5.56, and then allowed to fall 1000 feet? What good are the contents of the package? As for people stealing the packages...well, amazon just leaves them at the door now, so that isn't a new issue. People stealing the drones as they deliver? Yes, that might happen if someone knew one was coming and was ready with a net or something...but really...they would make more money with less work just by going around and stealing mail boxes for scrap metal.
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SoTired
Junior Member
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3. December 2013 @ 14:51 |
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Packages get lost and damaged during delivery all the time. Drones won't eliminate that, but I don't think they'll make it any worse either.
People will pay a premium to get their packages in 30 minutes. And Amazon won't have to pay UPS/USPS/FedEx to deliver them either. And once Amazon starts mass producing drones, they won't cost a fortune. I don't think we'll see thousands of kids spending their afternoons shooting down drones. But if a few drones get destroyed or lost here or there, it's a drop in the bucket compared to what Amazon stands to gain.
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Bozobub
Senior Member
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3. December 2013 @ 17:10 |
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Originally posted by KillerBug:
Yes...AR15s can hit targets at 400 meters assuming they are top quality, dialed in, have good quality ammunition, and (especially for a moving target at a different elevation) have a highly skilled operator...but a $200 9mm pistol with surplus bullets and someone who has ever been to the range doing the shooting can hit the driver of a van while he is driving by. No one starts freaking out about people shooting at aircraft as they land (usually well below 400 meters while over public spaces/roads)...why is it immediately assumed that people are going to start shooting down delivery drones??? What good is a drone that is first shot with a 5.56, and then allowed to fall 1000 feet? What good are the contents of the package? As for people stealing the packages...well, amazon just leaves them at the door now, so that isn't a new issue. People stealing the drones as they deliver? Yes, that might happen if someone knew one was coming and was ready with a net or something...but really...they would make more money with less work just by going around and stealing mail boxes for scrap metal.
First, I was able to hit targets quite reliably at 400m in Basic Training, using Vietnam-era, VERY well-used M16s with only iron sights. In fact, a properly zeroed, nearly new civilian AR-15 with a nice, heavy barrel and a decent sight, has much better range, assuming you load rounds with a comparable amount of propellant to standard M16 rounds (specifically NOT as much as M16A1 or SAW rounds, which have significantly more propellant).
Second, most packages will hit terminal velocity long before they hit the ground, and many would do just fine, if packaged properly (and they are). Your average smartphone, for example, can take the g-shock handily, when ensconced in a nice styro-package (as they are when shipped). I never implied, by the way, that taking the drone was worthwhile.
I'm not assuming people will start "freaking out" when they see drones. But humans are fantastically good at being, well, criminal, and furthermore, there will always be that percentage that simply enjoys shooting at a difficult target. It WILL happen, mark my words.
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AfterDawn Addict
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3. December 2013 @ 19:23 |
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I think it's a good idea in theory and delivery on this timescale will probably be commonplace in the not-too-distant future for those that are willing to pay (initially). I'm the first to moan when I'm browsing online and wanted something 15 minutes ago, let alone the next day.
I also think the ideas of people remotely hijacking/shooting down/getting scared shitless by the drones are all fantastic and more reason why this should go ahead!
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3. December 2013 @ 19:23 |
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This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3. December 2013 @ 19:24
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3. December 2013 @ 21:53 |
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Jeezzz...you guys make it sound like we live in a 3rd world country where everyone has A-K's and can't wait to unleash them on the first airborne target they see. These things are going to be delivering to suburban areas, not Iraq. Sure, there will be some idiot redneck that tries to shoot one down, but I think you're imagining worst case scenarios here. Not everyone is a criminal, and those that are probably have better things to do than steal a 5-lb. package of Depends. <-a hot seller, no joke. As I stated previously, I work there.
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Morreale
Senior Member
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3. December 2013 @ 23:35 |
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This would probably be a service you'd have to buy into and afterwards they'll send you a landing pad or something detectable for your driveway or lawn where the drone will vertically land on it. Makes sense to me at least.
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Senior Member
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4. December 2013 @ 08:11 |
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Originally posted by DarthMopar:
Jeezzz...you guys make it sound like we live in a 3rd world country where everyone has A-K's and can't wait to unleash them on the first airborne target they see. These things are going to be delivering to suburban areas, not Iraq. Sure, there will be some idiot redneck that tries to shoot one down, but I think you're imagining worst case scenarios here. Not everyone is a criminal, and those that are probably have better things to do than steal a 5-lb. package of Depends. <-a hot seller, no joke. As I stated previously, I work there.
pretty sure the % of americans that own guns is very high.pretty sure america has a high crime rate in parts.
no one said america is a third world country but its very populated and most citizens do have access to gun.
custom built gaming pc from early 2010,ps2 with 15 games all original,ps3 500gbs with 5 games all original,yamaha amp and 5.1channel surround sound speakers,46inch sony lcd smart tv.
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dEwMe
Senior Member
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4. December 2013 @ 10:08 |
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Originally posted by xboxdvl2:
Originally posted by DarthMopar:
Jeezzz...you guys make it sound like we live in a 3rd world country where everyone has A-K's and can't wait to unleash them on the first airborne target they see. These things are going to be delivering to suburban areas, not Iraq. Sure, there will be some idiot redneck that tries to shoot one down, but I think you're imagining worst case scenarios here. Not everyone is a criminal, and those that are probably have better things to do than steal a 5-lb. package of Depends. <-a hot seller, no joke. As I stated previously, I work there.
pretty sure the % of americans that own guns is very high.pretty sure america has a high crime rate in parts.
no one said america is a third world country but its very populated and most citizens do have access to gun.
Come on...I have two guns at my disposal and have never gone out and started randomly shooting things. Many of the people I know are gun owners as well. Guess what...They don't randomly go out shooting stuff either. Discharging a firearm in most towns is a crime in itself. We shoot targets for practice (at established ranges or out in the country), animals for sport and meat and if it comes to it each other. I just don't see people going out and shooting these things...lol You guys have crazy ideas about gun owners.
Just my $0.02,
dEwMe
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Bozobub
Senior Member
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4. December 2013 @ 13:24 |
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Maybe so, DewMe, but in Tacoma, WA (just as an example), idiots regularly shot out the ceramic insulators for the high-voltage lines going over the Puget Sound to the Key Peninsula, simply for kicks.l And Tacoma is a reasonably large, urban area. It DOES happen. Furthermore, have you never seen bullet-hole-riddled stop signs? I have, both in rural and urban areas.
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Senior Member
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4. December 2013 @ 19:47 |
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The 30 mins. delivery is just a pure & simple dream.
How about in California or Texas where there is non Amazon whorehouses 'cos high taxes or Nevada only 2 whorehouses in the middle of "just" desert.
Amazon is becoming another Walmart where they cut corners on salaries for their employees, no want to pay taxes, etc.
Just saying.
Live Free or Die.
The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 4. December 2013 @ 19:52
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Member
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4. December 2013 @ 20:47 |
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Originally posted by dEwMe:
Originally posted by xboxdvl2:
Originally posted by DarthMopar:
Jeezzz...you guys make it sound like we live in a 3rd world country where everyone has A-K's and can't wait to unleash them on the first airborne target they see. These things are going to be delivering to suburban areas, not Iraq. Sure, there will be some idiot redneck that tries to shoot one down, but I think you're imagining worst case scenarios here. Not everyone is a criminal, and those that are probably have better things to do than steal a 5-lb. package of Depends. <-a hot seller, no joke. As I stated previously, I work there.
pretty sure the % of americans that own guns is very high.pretty sure america has a high crime rate in parts.
no one said america is a third world country but its very populated and most citizens do have access to gun.
Come on...I have two guns at my disposal and have never gone out and started randomly shooting things. Many of the people I know are gun owners as well. Guess what...They don't randomly go out shooting stuff either. Discharging a firearm in most towns is a crime in itself. We shoot targets for practice (at established ranges or out in the country), animals for sport and meat and if it comes to it each other. I just don't see people going out and shooting these things...lol You guys have crazy ideas about gun owners.
Same; I own an assault rifle (useless for hitting airborne targets, BTW), and a two shotguns...never had the urge to shoot at anything in the air unless it was a clay pigeon or fowl.
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MRI3T
Newbie
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5. December 2013 @ 10:51 |
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So, THIS is what Monopolizing companies due with all their money?? Has to be the most ridiculous idea EVER! It'll never fly.... (Pun intended...)
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5. December 2013 @ 10:55 |
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lmao way too funny...i can see it already, amazon calling the cop shit all like 'bitches be jacking my drone, yo!'
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