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Comment by sargun | Hacker News Reader

I hope they're going to open up the delivery technology, either to allow someone to commoditize it, and make it available to consumers (for taco delivery), or other noble causes, like rescue, etc..

Additionally, I'm somewhat curious as to what their plan is on Oakland.

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I would guess that they are going to use a commercial or open-source autopilot like Ardupilot. The GPS tech on these are pretty good for hobby/recreation but I highly doubt they are writing their own GPS/autopilots for this. Frankly, I just don't think the accuracy/reliability is there yet for these RC helicopters to effectively deliver goods. (Speaking from experience and my own multi-copters)

EDIT: For those curious:

http://www.dji-innovations.com/

https://store.diydrones.com/APM_2_5_Kit_p/br-ardupilotmega-0...

This is precisely what the plan is, check out matternet.us a sister project

Matternet was a concept developed by a multidisciplinary team of 18 people at Singularity Univiersity in August 2011.

Since October 2011, two groups formed: Matternet, Inc and ARIA .

ARIA formed because we want to stay true to the original summer concept of building an OPEN SOURCE NETWORK were the DIY movement can find applications to be developed within it.

In the original Fast Company article when I was interviewed, I specified to Ariel that while ARIA is fully open-source, Matternet was proprietary (this is the last we knew when the two groups formed).

Because the CEO of Matternet Inc contacted Ariel to have the story changed, it no longer reads "proprietary technology" but "undisclosed".

ARIA has been open source from the start.

I can see drone delivery to be quite useful in far-flung communities (Alaska, Australian Outback, Africa, etc.), to deliver critical stuff (medicines, critical components, etc.). Assuming the drone doesn't use a ton of fuel, it could literally be a life-saver.

Very excited to learn about this project, and hoping it literally takes off.

ajays,

thanks for your message. At ARIA we have been working hard at this for the past year. You can learn more at: www.aria-logistics.com

ajays,

Here is a video we put together a year ago while at Singularity University when Matternet was a concept and before there were two groups.

https://vimeo.com/28247681

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