Uber To Soon Deliver Your Food Using Drones With Rotating Wings

Uber is testing its new batch of drones for its Uber Eats delivery service. In the latest development, Uber unveiled a new look for its drone which packs 'innovative rotating wings with six rotors'. Uber believes the innovation will enhance the transition between vertical takeoff and forward flight.

The Uber drones featuring rotating wings is unique as it's not commonly seen in drones. Rotating wings are featured in sci-fi with flying cars, rather than drone designs. According to Uber, the rotors are placed vertically for smooth takeoff and landing. At the same time, Uber notes that the rotating wings push the forward position for increased speed during the cruise flight.

The Uber drones design with the rotating wings is similar to the design crafted by NASA veteran Mark Moore for Uber's prototype air taxi. Further details have furnished that the new Uber Eats drone can carry a meal for two. The drones can perform a maximum delivery for up to eight minutes, including the loading and unloading of the Uber Eats order.

Uber notes that the drones can cruise in altitude below 400 feet to comply with the existing drone rules set by the FAA. The Uber drones will have a total flight range of up to 18 miles without a delivery. It can travel up to 12 miles with one delivery and can hover in the wind with speeds up to 30mph, Uber states.

Drones for delivery are gaining popularity and many are venturing for trails. Tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon, UPS, and others are pitching in for drone deliveries. The aforementioned air taxis and the new drones are part of Uber Elevate, which is the company's ambitious project to move ride-hailing and delivery services to the sky. Uber says that the drone has already passed its 'critical design review'.

Uber has pitched a schedule to perform test flights of the drones in 2020 and begin a commercial rollout in 2023. The Uber drones are expected to take flight on schedule. Earlier this year, the FAA (Federation Aviation Administration) permitted the ride-hailing company to begin its drone delivery testing in San Diego.