Amazon moves to expand delivery drone testing

Amazon.com is seeking to expand testing of its drones.

It has asked regulators for permission to fly them outdoors near the north-western US city of Seattle, where it has its headquarters and a research and development facility.

The online retailer’s plan to use small unmanned aircraft to deliver packages has sparked widespread debate over the safety and privacy implications of drone technology.

The US government has set up six sites in various states for companies, universities and others to test drones and Amazon intends to use at least one of those, but also wants to fly them near its HQ.

The drone plan was derided by some as a publicity stunt, while others raised privacy concerns and said the technology needed more refinement.

Despite the controversy, Amazon has rapidly expanded its drones team this year. It has hired roboticists, aeronautical engineers and a former NASA astronaut, and recently advertised for a full-time communications manager for the programme.

with Reuters