A new drone first: Delivering packages in residential area

by Jessie Hellmann - 03/26/16 10:48 AM ET

A drone has successfully delivered a package to a residential location for the first time in the U.S., the Associated Press reported Friday.

The package, delivered by independent drone delivery company Flirtey, was sent to a small Nevada town, marking the first fully autonomous urban delivery in the U.S., Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said.

{mosads}Flirtey CEO Matt Sweeney said the drone flew about a half-mile March 10 and lowered the package outside a vacant home in Hawthorne, southeast of Reno, Nev. The package contained bottled water, food and a first-aid kit.

“Conducting the first drone delivery in an urban setting is a major achievement, taking us closer to the day that drones make regular deliveries to your front doorstep,” Sweeney said.

Sandoval congratulated the company on the feat.

“I am thrilled that Flirtey is not only testing its cutting-edge technology in Nevada, but also creating jobs through its headquarters relocation to Reno,” he said.

NASA is working with the drone industry and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that drones and other low-altitude aircraft can coexist without crashes.

Sweeney said the successful delivery in Nevada shows that drones can safely navigate around buildings and deliver packages within populated areas.

Tags Brian Sandoval drones Nevada