Switzerland tests drones for mail delivery

Swiss Post, Swiss WorldCargo and Matternet, a drone manufacturer, announced todaythey had started testing the use of drones to make deliveries.

According to the manufacturer's website, the flying device is specially designed for transporting small deliveries. Its extremely light structure allows it to carry loads of one kilogram over more than 10 kilometres on a single charge. It flies autonomously by following safe and clear air routes established by a cloud software designed by Matternet.

This new way of delivery could also help in emergencies and allow items to reach isolated areas and transport highly urgent priority items, according to the Swiss postal service.

The three companies said they were investigating specific uses of drone technology and examining the cost-effectiveness of these business ideas, but did not expect widespread use before five years as a number of requirements still need to be clarified, such as the legal framework conditions.

Amazon.com and other companies, including Google Inc, are also working to develop sophisticated drone operations capable of delivering packages to consumers.

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Drone advocates have pressed the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to accommodate advanced technology in commercial drone regulations expected by the end of 2016. The current proposed rules would limit flights to daylight hours at low altitudes and within an operator's visual line of site.