According to news on April 1, Amazon has resumed its drone delivery service after a two-month suspension and plans to deliver 500 million packages annually by 2030. Currently, this service has been restored in College Station, Texas, and Tolleson, Arizona, in the United States.
At the same time, Amazon has introduced the new generation MK30 drone. Compared with previous models, it operates more quietly and has the ability to fly in light rain. Previously, residents in college towns had complained about the excessive noise of drones. While introducing the MK30, Amazon plans to relocate its drone operation center away from residential areas later this year to reduce interference.
In January this year, Amazon suspended its Prime Air drone delivery service to update the software. Amazon found that due to the high dust content in the air in Arizona, the height sensor of the drone might malfunction, causing the system to have errors in locating its position relative to the ground. Although no actual safety issues had occurred, Amazon still decided to suspend the service until the software was corrected.
Amazon has been working on promoting its drone delivery program since 2013, aiming to deliver small items such as toothpaste and books within 30 minutes. However, the progress of this project has been slow, and currently, it only provides services in two cities in the United States. In 2023, Amazon cut some employees of the Prime Air project due to cost reduction. In April 2024, Amazon's test site in Lockeford, California, has been closed.
