Rappelling Droids Are Leveling Up Drone Deliveries

​A new precise drone-delivery system combines a hybrid fixed-wing drone with a small tethered droid that can drop out of the belly of the drone. Current drone delivery methods require obstacle-free space, and there are constraints on what can be delivered and how it's packaged. The new P2 Zip system offers nearly silent, precise home delivery.

The P2 can travel 112 kilometers per hour through all kinds of weather out to a service radius of about 16 km with an impressive 2.5 to 3.5 kilogram payload. Once the P2 reaches its delivery destination, the Zip hovers at a few hundred feet while an integrated winch lowers the droid to the ground. The Zip remains at a safe and quiet height while the droid uses integrated thrusters to position itself accurately over the delivery zone. Visual sensors on the droid make sure that the delivery zone is clear.

"The P2 Zip can travel ten miles in ten minutes, and the company can make a delivery approximately seven times faster than any typical service you may order from today," Zipline CEO Rinaudo Cliffton said.

This technology innovation allows for precision deliveries of food, medical supplies, and other needs quickly and accurately, and in all kinds of weather conditions.​

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