Amazon's Air Delivery Ad

Dec. 4, 2013

Did you see the Amazon commercial this past weekend? You might’ve been fooled (like this columnist ) into thinking it was a serious news item on a new commercial use for drones. But, in fact, it was a press release from Amazon timed for wide distribution right before Cyber Monday, a big day for online shopping. Only a tragic train wreck kept the delivery drones from being the top news item on practically every major TV news program. The news directors couldn’t resist the free B-roll of Amazon-labelled mini-copters flying around and dropping off a package. But couldn’t they tell an ad from real news? Or did they not even care?

How many obstacles can you count standing between Amazon and its pipe dream?

About the Author

Stephen Mraz Blog | Senior Editor

Steve serves as Senior Editor of Machine Design.  He has 23 years of service and has a B.S. Biomedical Engineering from CWRU. Steve was a E-2C Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy. He is currently responsible for areas such as aerospace, defense, and medical.

Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!