Dubai: Drones to deliver food to residents in near future

Autonomous drones could be used for last-mile delivery system in Dubai in the near future, to make it faster and more convenient for consumers.

Visitors at the recent Gitex Global 2023 were given a glimpse how this can happen. They placed orders for meals and drinks and they were delivered under four minutes at the kiosk which served as the landing port.

The pilot project was demonstrated by Dubai-based FEDS Drone-powered Solutions (FEDS) and Chinese company Meituan UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems).

Faster alternative

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Rabih Bou Rached, founder and CEO of FEDS, said “drone delivery is a better alternative to human delivery as it is faster because there is no traffic in the air and the order will come quicker.”

Full scale and citywide operation are expected to happen soon, according to Rached.

Rached noted drone delivery system is already used in three major cities in China in the last two years. The setup at Gitex Global was based on Meituan UAS’ services in China. A pick-up kiosk (landing port) was set-up at the parking area of Dubai Word Trade Centre and the drone operated on a predetermined route from a launchpad to a kiosk, making it safe and easy to navigate.

Drone specifications

The drone has six rotors. Its size is 1370 X 1370 X 450 mm. It can carry up to 2.5kgs of payload, enough to carry a family-size pizza. Its communication system runs on 5G or 4G and WiFi and it can travel within a 10-km radius.

Its climbing velocity is up to 10 metres per second and can descend up to 6 metres/ second. Its maximum obstacle perception distance is 50 metres forward and 15 metres upward.

The drone can operate in moderate rain and in temperature between -20 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius.

The drone works in tandem with a landing port that can be flexibly deployed in various places such as events like Gitex Global or offices, residential and commercial areas.

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