Uber to start testing drones for food delivery

Uber will start testing food delivery by drone as it ramps up its Uber Eats service that partners with restaurants. The ride-hailing giant has been granted regulatory approval to begin tests of delivering food by drone in the region of San Diego, California, at its Uber Elevate Summit.

Luke Fischer, Head of flight operations, Uber Elevate, said, "Our goal is to expand Uber Eats drone delivery so we can provide more options to more people at the tap of a button."

"We believe that Uber is uniquely positioned to take on this challenge as we're able to leverage the Uber Eats network of restaurant partners and delivery partners as well as the aviation experience and technology of Uber Elevate," he added.

For logistical reasons, the drones will not be delivering directly to customers, but to a safe drop-off location where an Uber Eats driver will complete the order.

Uber had created a proprietary airspace management system called Elevate Cloud Systems, which will guide the drones to their location.

Separately, Uber has also launched its newest self-driving vehicle produced by Volvo Cars.

Eric Meyhofer, CEO of Uber Advanced Technologies Group, stated, "Working in close partnership with companies like Volvo is a key ingredient to effectively building a safe, scalable, self-driving fleet."