Wing: Google Spinoff Combines UTM and Drone Delivery for Maximum Benefit in Australia
At Amsterdam Drone Weekyesterday, James Burgess of Google X spinoff Wing shows off a system of drone delivery that’s made over 2500 customer flights in a test outside of Canberra, Australia.
In the last nine months, Wing – graduated from Project X and now independent under parent company Alphabet – has worked on a widespread test of drone delivery in a suburban community of Australia.
The Wing test is both broad and deep. Wing isn’t just testing the safety and utility of their delivery drone and logistics process, but the viability of their UTM platform, which they hope to make available to 3rd parties. They’re working through usability issues for their delivery customers, their neighbors, and regulators – and while Burgess acknowledges that there are still many issues to consider, Wing has gone a long way in addressing the needs of the entire stakeholder community in drone delivery.