Another detail of Amazon's plan to use drones to deliver packages has been revealed, thanks to a patent filing that surfaced this week.
The application outlines plans to transform existing vertical structures in public spaces into makeshift docking stations for drones, a logistical innovation that could quickly take Amazon Prime Air from the realm of science fiction to a completely practical delivery system.
On July 12, the patent, which appeared by Patent Yogi, describes a system that would allow Amazon's drones to land on radio towers, cell towers, street lights, electric poles, office buildings, parking lots and even church steeples.
In addition to serving as a landing platform for the drones, the roadside stations will also function as charging stations and navigation aids for the unmanned aircraft system.
But the most interesting part of the plan describes a possible drone-to-human delivery method for certain docking stations. This system would allow the drone to drop a package into a hatch, and then a specially equipped docking station would carry the package down via a vacuum tube, cargo lift, elevator, or other transportation system to the surface.
But before you start checking your local telephone poles for Amazon logos, it should be noted that (as with all patents) there is no guarantee that the docking stations will ever be built or used.
Nevertheless, putting aside the logistical and municipal hurdles that may arise, if this is how Amazon plans to roll out Amazon Prime Air, the ambitious plan suddenly seems much more feasible.
