[blacksmith_tb]

Seems like Zipline[1] is pretty close, but for me the question is less "can you do it properly?" and more "why would we take this approach?" I'd definitely want some compelling numbers on CO2, traffic reduction etc. (which may all be true, but I wouldn't want us to charge into the Jetsons just because we can).

1: https://www.flyzipline.com/

[rcarr]

There's lots of second and third order effects I think. Traffic reduction and pollution reduction should result in a decrease in lives lost to accidents and respiratory diseases. Reduction in traffic could lead to uptake in cycling and outdoor activities and a healthier populace. Reduction in pollution could be better for ground based wildlife and the environment. I imagine there's significantly less cost both in materials and maintenance for a drone vs a van so that could end up being passed on to the consumer. Possibly personalised delivery times as the drone could theoretically delivery whenever.

A possibly more dystopian one: likely to have all manner of cameras and sensors on board that will probably be used at some point as evidence if a crime if committed whilst the drone is passing by the area.