Declining costs and growing capabilities have led a number of organisations to suggest non-military uses for drones. Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, caused a stir last year when he told 60 Minutes his firm was looking into a drone delivery network for Amazon customers – Prime Air. Amazon Drone

Michael Toscano, president & CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), released the following statement on Amazon’s announcement of using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to deliver packages:

“Amazon’s plans to launch a ‘Prime Air’ delivery system demonstrate the promise of unmanned aircraft systems. It underscores how this innovative technology will transform the way industries operate and the importance of keeping UAV integration on track. Whether it is improving agriculture output, helping first responders, advancing scientific research, or making business more efficient, UAS are capable of saving time, saving money and most importantly, saving lives. ”

Due to heavy FAA commercial drone regulations, Amazon had to shoot their ‘Prime Air’ project video outside the United States.

“While it has been demonstrated that deliveries via UAV are technically feasible, the commercial use of a UAV is currently prohibited in the United States. The FAA, however, is currently working to establish rules for commercial use, and this is going to take until at least 2015.” – Melanie Hinton, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

Many other companies and industries are testing UAV now so that it can be ready to recognize the benefits of the technology once UAS are fully integrated into the U.S. airspace in the coming years.

‘Matternet’, another tech firm (working with Google), aims to set up fully automated drone networks to deliver medicine and other supplies to rural communities in developing countries where road infrastructure is sketchy.