The next big thing: Drone Delivery Network

Introduction

Amazon has unveiled the PrimeAir. The goal of this new delivery system is to get packages into customers' hands in 30 minutes or less using unmanned aerial vehicles like drones and mini helicopters. We believe that It is the next big thing in delivery technologies.

How it works

After a customer places an order on Amazon's site and selects Prime Air as the delivery method, which promises 30-minute service, the PrimeAir begins.

From there, that order gets a special mark indicating PrimeAir treatment, moving down a special conveyor line at the end of which sits a small drone, maybe 2-feet wide plus some wing span that carriers helicopter-type blades on each side. The drone holds a special small container into which the picked product had been placed, and off it flies, arriving some minutes later at the back patio of a consumer.

The drone drops off the package, and quickly heads back to its DC base. It does not appear to be interested in a tip, nor require a signature. 

Demo

Here is a live demo of drone delivery network.

Safety Issues

The FAA is actively working on rules and an approach for unmanned aerial vehicles like drons and helicopters that will prioritize public safety. Safety will be the top priority, and all drones will be built with multiple redundancies and designed to commercial aviation standards.

Question:

Suppose the drone delivery technology will be ubiquitous in the near future and nearly every supplier can easily deploy it in delivery, is building its own drone delivery network better than outsourcing it to a specialized drone delivery service company?

References:

http://techcrunch.com/2014/08/28/google-challenges-amazon-for-drone-supremacy/

http://www.industryweek.com/supply-chain/amazon-unveils-futuristic-drone-delivery-plan