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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Drone Deliveries


Amazon stole the news cycle Sunday with its presentation of a proposed drone delivery system.  On Monday the internet was full of articles that admitted the idea was cool and the technology was available, but the concept simply would not work.  Most of the articles included a “common sense” laundry list of reasons why it would not work.

It may or may not work, but what I do remember is that the current delivery model using national “hubs” had its naysayers in the beginnings as well. 

I am reminded of an exchange I had with a Dr. early in my career.  The Dr. asked me how much it would cost to build a computer system that would do X (a long list of great ideas).  As I calmly began to explain the problems involved the Dr. abruptly interrupted me by saying “I did not ask you why it could not be done I asked you how much it would cost”.  The Dr. got his system.

Quite honestly I see drone deliveries about as practical as everyone commuting to work by helicopter, which is none.  Still, Amazon is one of the most successful retailers in the history of the planet and it would be and is absurd to tell them they don’t understand the problems involved.

1 comment:

  1. Tom I had many of the same thoughts. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a publicity stunt, it seems so...unlikely is the best word I can use to describe what I thought. When I think about thousands of drones flying around in Houston alone, I just can't imagine that it can possibly be made safe enough. I am usually an "early adopter" when it comes to technology but I am skeptical at best about this. We'll see.

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