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.
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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