Google's secret Project Wing drones could give speed to Google Shopping Express deliveries

Though your next Nexus smartphone may not be delivered by Google via its delivery drones, or Amazon's drones for that matter, Google has been actively and secretly flight testing drones in Australia for some time now. Dubbed Project Wing, after two years of testing and development of this ambitious endeavor, Google's research team has concluded that the task can be achieved and that future deliveries could be made by these self flying vehicles.
And although these drones could be used to deliver goods, like in Google's Shopping Express delivery service, Google says that it could also be used in emergency situations and with disaster relief, like sending defibrillators or emergency supplies to disaster-stricken regions. Google rival Amazon has already showcased its own experiments with drones.
In contrast to Amazon's more utilitarian helicopter design, Google's drones appear more striking. The drones were designed by Google X labs and they weigh in at just over 20 pounds with a wingspan of 5 feet that is driven by four propellers allowing.
"The small, white glossy machine has a "blended wing" design where the entire body of the aircraft provides lift," the BBC noted. "The vehicle is known as a "tail sitter" - since it rests on the ground with its propellers pointed straight up, but then transitions into a horizontal flight pattern."
The hybrid design allows the drones to take off and land without a runway while still allowing it fly quickly and efficiently.
The flying vehicle is also equipped with GPS, cameras, radios, and a number of different sensors. But because of its light weight, don't expect Project Wing to be able to do much heavy lifting in delivering heavier packages.
And unlike other drone delivery projects, Google's un-manned flying vehicle will not land to drop off goods, and that may be a good thing. Citing safety reasons, people want to touch the drone and that could cause injury if the propellers are still spinning, Google will tether packages with a string and drop the packages onto the ground before flying away.
Still, with changing regulations, it's too early to tell when Project Wing could become a reality. It may be an uphill battle, but at least its a project that Google says is "surmountable."
Source: BBC, The Atlantic
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"Though your next Nexus smartphone may not be delivered by Google..." That's because they never seem to get around to releasing a new one!
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Just shattered my nexus 5 I need a new nexus ASAP or I'm going with G3 Posted via Android Central App
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Well, not that rumors are a reliable source, but it seems likely that there will be another one....at least one more! Delivered by the Nexus 5 or the mighty Surface Pro 3
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How exactly is this supposed to deliver to my office or apartment building? They're just going to hover over Hollywood Boulevard and drop it at the front door, and hope that none of the hundreds of people walking past will take it?
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Works for FedEx! Posted via Android Central App
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Drone delivery will never get approved. This is a gigantic waste of time for Google and for Amazon. Looks cool and cutting edge but I just don't see this really happening on a large scale.
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The exact opposite of what you said is what will happen.
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Yes, and people never saw manned flight getting off the ground (pun squarely intended), or widespread use of automobiles, either. In fact, people much more brilliant than you or I have made similarly short-sighted pronouncements. A famous 19th century scientist (Lord Kelvin), well known and respected for his intelligence and accomplishments even today, said things like, "There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now...", and "X-rays will prove to be a hoax." Or, you may be more familiar with Thomas J. Watson's (once Chairman and CEO of IBM) quote, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
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Don't forget when Steve Jobs said 3.5 inches is big enough (that's not what she said lol).. Posted via Android Central App on The Nexus 5
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Just realised this is in my home state, so going to find that farm. :) Also maybe consider its not for folk in the city that can get things delivered in an hour anyhow. Maybe they are helping people like in the video? Posted via Android Central App
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That looks bomb. Haha get it! Hahaha hahaha I'm funny
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Get a sniper riffle > wait for a drone > You have just hunted your self some tech
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Exactly! I live in the south. I can see rednecks with shotguns taking these things out all day long.
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Economically and practically, this idea seems daft. Even in remote areas with very low population density. It reminds me of Rocket Mail, another utterly ludicrous concept. Posted via Android Central App
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Who even uses Google Shopping?
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How far can this thing fly and at what speeds? I thought one of the problems with non military drones is that they have a pretty short range. Posted via Android Central App
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heh... Skeet shooting... With Prizes!
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I've got a pending USA patent "A delivery package that is used in delivery drones as fuselage, parachute and means of cargo landing" that can be used in Google X Project Wing. http://divolkov.livejournal.com/
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Arial drone delivery will be limited to a niche market, such as emergency services and rural agricultural business. The rest of us will get our stuff delivered by ground based Segway type robots. Posted via the Android Central App