The future is here! Coles is now delivering groceries by drone!
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If you’re not familiar with them, drones are small, lightweight machines capable of flight that are controlled remotely by a controller. They can take great photos and it’s not uncommon to see today’s youth flying them around local parks.
Now, how would you feel about a drone bringing you your groceries?
Queensland residents, you’re in luck! Coles, in partnership with the drone company Wing, is expanding its drone delivery service to parts of the Gold Coast starting November 2 onwards — and it’s free!
You can expect to see these drones flying overhead in the suburbs of Ormeau, Ormeau Hill, and Yatala carrying essentials weighing up to 1 kilogram in total per drone.
‘The drones are designed lightweight and for maximum speed and sustainability in their delivery.’ said Wing General Manager Simon Rossi, pointing out that the drones are ‘best used for items needed in a hurry’, like ‘bread for kids lunches’, or ‘friends coming around for lunch on Sunday’.
Customers must first download the Wing app (click here for Apple users and here for Android users), proceed to the Coles’ section, and choose from over 500 grocery items.
And in case you’re wondering, no, alcohol is not among the delivery items available. If only!
Once you select your orders, instructions will then be sent to Coles’ Ormeau branch which will then prepare and package your items.
While packing, the customer will be informed of flight considerations when travelling to the delivery address such as weather and other aircrafts.
The drone is said to travel at a height of 70 metres and speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour.
When the drone arrives at your location, it will lower your package with a tether.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind though: Coles’ drones are only available from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
They cannot be requested at nighttime due to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules.
Lastly, while the service is free initially, Rossi admitted: ‘At some point in the future, we do expect there will be a charge for the delivery.’
Another thing about delivery drones is they can be used rain or shine according to Wing General Manager Simon Rossi.
We previously wrote about their historic feat as Australia’s first retailer to offer delivery via drones.
Coles first conducted trials for this convenient way of delivery in select ACT suburbs.
Did you know that there are also rules that recreational drone operators must follow? It’s something to consider if you’re now planning on buying one yourself!
CASA has several pointers for operators to ensure public safety, including always keeping drones in their lines of sight, only flying one drone at a time, avoiding crowded areas, and avoiding photographing or recording people on video without their consent.
Commercial drone operators are also required to register their drones and get accreditation.
Aussies may file drone-related complaints here.
So, what do you think - would you use this amazing delivery service, or would you prefer getting essentials the old-fashioned way? Let us know below!
Source: YouTube/news.com.au
Now, how would you feel about a drone bringing you your groceries?
Queensland residents, you’re in luck! Coles, in partnership with the drone company Wing, is expanding its drone delivery service to parts of the Gold Coast starting November 2 onwards — and it’s free!
The ‘store-to-door’ concept is coming to select Gold Coast suburbs in partnership with Coles. Credit: 7News/Wing
You can expect to see these drones flying overhead in the suburbs of Ormeau, Ormeau Hill, and Yatala carrying essentials weighing up to 1 kilogram in total per drone.
‘The drones are designed lightweight and for maximum speed and sustainability in their delivery.’ said Wing General Manager Simon Rossi, pointing out that the drones are ‘best used for items needed in a hurry’, like ‘bread for kids lunches’, or ‘friends coming around for lunch on Sunday’.
Customers must first download the Wing app (click here for Apple users and here for Android users), proceed to the Coles’ section, and choose from over 500 grocery items.
And in case you’re wondering, no, alcohol is not among the delivery items available. If only!
Once you select your orders, instructions will then be sent to Coles’ Ormeau branch which will then prepare and package your items.
While packing, the customer will be informed of flight considerations when travelling to the delivery address such as weather and other aircrafts.
The drone is said to travel at a height of 70 metres and speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour.
When the drone arrives at your location, it will lower your package with a tether.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind though: Coles’ drones are only available from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
The Coles delivery drones can carry parcels weighing up to 1 kilogram. Credit: 7News/Wing
They cannot be requested at nighttime due to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules.
Lastly, while the service is free initially, Rossi admitted: ‘At some point in the future, we do expect there will be a charge for the delivery.’
Another thing about delivery drones is they can be used rain or shine according to Wing General Manager Simon Rossi.
We previously wrote about their historic feat as Australia’s first retailer to offer delivery via drones.
Coles first conducted trials for this convenient way of delivery in select ACT suburbs.
CASA has several pointers for operators to ensure public safety, including always keeping drones in their lines of sight, only flying one drone at a time, avoiding crowded areas, and avoiding photographing or recording people on video without their consent.
Commercial drone operators are also required to register their drones and get accreditation.
Aussies may file drone-related complaints here.
So, what do you think - would you use this amazing delivery service, or would you prefer getting essentials the old-fashioned way? Let us know below!
Source: YouTube/news.com.au
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