Cyberjaya
When it comes to drone deliveries, U.S. companies are the first ones that come to mind. Now, Malaysia looks to commence the trial of drone deliveries in Cyberjaya by the end of this month. So, if you are in Cyberjaya and waiting for food you might just find it hovering above you!
A local Malaysian drone company Average Drone has announced that it will be starting a three-month trial of drone food delivery. The service will first start in Cyberjaya, the most technologically advanced town in Malaysia, and will be limited to a 2km radius. Cyberjaya is located in Sepang District, Selangor.
It will take 12 minutes for the food to be delivered once an order is placed, said Hamdee Hamdan, the chief executive officer of Average Drone Sdn Bhd, which has been involved in the drone industry since 2014. The company will collaborate with Futurise which is managed by Cyberview, a subsidiary firm under the Finance Ministry.
Hamdee said the current plan was to have the food delivery service over a three-month trial period. As of now, foodies can only order up to seven types of food like: Rice, noodles, burgers, sandwiches, local cakes, and fruits.
“This is only a test run and after three months we will see how it goes and add on more dishes on the menu,” said Hamdee when met by Bernama at the expo MyDroneX Monday.
Hamdee said the company is also developing a food delivery app called Express Food for this service which is in the final stages of development adding that delivery charges would cost RM2.50 per trip.
“It’s not so much about the price, it is all also about the time frame since many want quick delivery. We have developed the drone so that it could be flown in the rain, but not in situations when there is heavy rain,” he said.
Hamdee said that the six-propeller drones aptly named ‘Express Food’ and manufactured by the company, were able to accommodate a weight of up to 800gm.
“If the response is good and the trial project a success, our plan is to then modify each drone to accommodate a weight of up three kilogrammes,” he further said.
Average Drone is not the first company to bring drones and food delivery together. Just last week, Uber announced that Uber Eats will start testing food delivery via drones in San Diego, California. As of now people at Cyberjaya can’t wait to get some Nasi Lemak from the skies!