[michaelt]

  using open source UAVs and ReAllocate by trying to 
  solve 'the last mile' problem [...] a network of 
  autonomous vehicles that could be used to deliver 
  high-value goods [...] technologies that are
  changing very quickly, are dropping in cost, are
  following Moore's Law and that are being integrated
  into the mainstream (these are called 'exponential
  technologies').

Interesting. I've heard one of the limiting factors in quadrotor drone technology is battery energy density. You want long range so you add more batteries, then the drone is too heavy to take off. And battery technology doesn't double in performance every 18 months. Would you say this is accurate?

Can a quadrotor drone can outperform a local on a bicycle? Or do you have an alternative technology in mind? What kind of payload and flight range do you think you'll achieve?