Quote:
Originally Posted by DaFace
I think you (and many others) vastly underestimate how close the technology is to being able to make this happen.
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there are technological limits, but most of them are bureaucratic. As mentioned, FAA rules prohibit this, and I don't see that changing any time soon.
Logistically, as mentioned the main hindrances are dealing with multi-family locations, and being able to deliver the package to a reasonable location. No one will want packages dropped in the middle of the sidewalk or yard (where there are yards). Since this is limited to within 10 miles of the sorting facility, the main target would likely be urban areas to take load off the rest of the system. That increases the difficulties of delivery.
Technologically, it would require an accurate GPS mapping of all physical addresses within the delivery area. That won't happen quickly. Someone mentioned facial recognition technology for identifying the front door. FR works because faces all have a set of distiguishing characteristics to scan for. Doors don't. Furthermore, delivery to a door in many instances requires very deft flight under an eave or porch, past many obtsacles. Unmanned drones are good, but they are typically used in wide open areas with little to navigate around.
No way this happens by 2015, maybe, MAYBE 2020.