The future is now: drones
TRANSCRIPT:
JuiceFM (Michael): Tony from ntegrity joins us. Tony’s going to be telling us how we’re disrupting the world of the postal system…
Tony Lee: That’s right, over the past couple of years the Australia Post has really declined in letter volume, and letters have been replaced by an increase of parcel deliveries.
JuiceFM (M): So it was my birthday last week, and I’ve only just received my birthday card today.
TL: Well that’s Australia Post delivery for you!
JuiceFM (Gosha): Who sent you a card?
JuiceFM (M): My mum! She doesn’t know how to send an email.
JuiceFM (G): No it’s just more personalised! She wanted to hand write you something, that’s lovely.
TL: I’m with you Gosha, I really love receiving cards. I love receiving the physical product. I’m all about retaining that sentiment through physicality. But Australia Post is trialling the use of remotely piloted drones internally, with the backing of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority who is responsible for all things air safety. After the initial two-week trial, they’re looking to implement these services by the end of the year.
JuiceFM (G): What kind of range can a drone be operated on? Is it person-operated or is it automated? How does this work?
TL: It’s probably beyond my knowledge to know how drones work and how the aviation industry really works! But I do imagine it’s remotely controlled by machines – probably more reliable than human beings. But we do know that this new trend of drone delivery is being trialed by the likes of Google and Walmart in the US. While Amazon is working on something called Prime Air – a future delivery service – that will get packages to customers within 30 minutes of orders, which is incredible!
JuiceFM (M): Now the Amazon’s use of drones was a big deal on the internet last year. They released a video all about a drone delivering a package, but then it turned out it was a bit of a publicity stunt and they don’t actually have the technology.
TL: That’s right, they’re still working on that technology. It’s certainly very interesting that they’re looking at incorporating parachutes and all kinds of weird and wonderful things associated with it.
JuiceFM (M): Well if they can work out the kinks in this technology and I can get the $20 my mother sent me in my birthday card a little earlier, I will be very, very excited. Thanks for telling us all about it Tony, we’ll talk to you next week.