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Amazon Files Docking Station Patent For Drones
Amazon.com (AMZN) announced it was entering the drone market nearly two years ago. Now, based on a new patent, the retailer may be gearing up to expand their use even as drones are facing increased scrutiny by the U.S. government.

Flying HIgh

Amazon has been awarded a patent to create docking stations so that the drones can recharge their batteries between deliveries. That’s particularly important because drones currently don’t last very long without needing to be charged. Amazon wants to build docking stations on tall vertical structures such as lampposts or buildings where they can recharge and pick up more packages to deliver.

"The docking stations may incorporate a number of features to enable UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) to fly longer routes, to fly routes more accurately, and to provide shelter during adverse conditions," Amazon's U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filing said. “The docking stations can be incorporated into existing structures such as cell towers, light and power poles, and buildings. The docking stations can also comprise standalone structures to provide additional services to underserved areas.”

Amazon isn’t the only retailer eyeing drones as a delivery tool. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) said it plans to use drones to survey inventories in its warehouses in the U.S. The goal is to keep a lid on costs and stay as innovative as Amazon.

New Cost Savings

Under the patent, Amazon envisions a central control system that would talk to the docking stations and come up with the routes for the drones. It would also be able to redirect the drones because of weather or other issues. What’s more, Amazon said in the patent application the use of drones for delivering can reduce costs and increase speed and accuracy.

The move on the part of Amazon.com to file a patent related to drones comes at a time when regulators are questioning the safety of these unmanned aircraft and want to put regulations in place to control this burgeoning industry. Earlier this year, the federal government said it will create regulations for delivery drones but not until 2018. That time frame puts the U.S. behind other countries that have already created frameworks for drone aviation.

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