Amazon ends drone program in California, plans to launch in Arizona | Wilnesh News

Amazon is closing its drone delivery operation in Rockford, Calif., one of the earliest U.S. test sites for the decade-long project.

Ever since Amazon founder Jeff Bezos first detailed his vision in 2013 for autonomous drones to deliver packages weighing 5 pounds or less in 30 minutes or less, the The program called Prime Air has been struggling to get off the ground.

Amazon said in a statement blog post The company on Monday said it plans to continue expanding its drone delivery service to more U.S. cities in 2025, with plans to open in parts of the Phoenix area later this year. The company said it is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and local officials to obtain permission to conduct drone deliveries in Tolleson, Arizona, west of Phoenix.

“As we look to the future and prioritize our resources to continue growing the program, we have also decided to close a delivery site in Rockford,” the company wrote. Amazon said employee opportunities will be made available at other locations, Rockford residents Orders can still be placed using other shipping methods.

Amazon said it is currently conducting test flights to prove the reliability of its new delivery drone, the MK30. unveiling at an event last year. The drone is designed to be smaller and quieter than previous models and can fly in light rain.

Amazon received FAA Part 135 certification in 2020, allowing it to use drones to deliver packages, with some restrictions. But Prime Air’s progress has been delayed.

Amazon said it will begin testing deliveries in 2022 in College Station, Texas, about 100 miles northwest of Houston, and in the small town of Rockford, south of Sacramento. Initially met with some skepticism by residents.

Just when it looked like Prime Air was about to begin operations, it suffered layoffs last year as part of Amazon’s broader layoffs. The group has also suffered regulatory setbacks and senior executive departures.

Amazon continues to push to expand its drone delivery business. In October, the FAA cleared a major regulatory hurdle by relaxing some restrictions on where its drones can operate, allowing the company to fly over roads and cars when necessary to complete routes.

Last week, Amazon signed a deal Partnering with Embention, a developer of autonomous drone systems and components. As part of the agreement, Embention will provide security-related hardware and software to Amazon.