• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechGoogle

Google Drops New Hint About its Drone Delivery Service

By
Jonathan Vanian
Jonathan Vanian
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Jonathan Vanian
Jonathan Vanian
Down Arrow Button Icon
January 27, 2016, 6:16 PM ET
493606849
Flying drone with cameraPhotogtaph by Buena Vista Images — Getty Images

Google has an idea for keeping drones from crash landing while delivering toilet paper to your doorstep. That plan involves a big computerized lock box with wheels.

The search giant filed for a patent this week that involves its planned delivery drones dropping off orders inside individual wheeled lockboxes around town. In addition to holding on to the package, the system would guard against potential dangers like drones crashing into homes, hitting trees, and leaving orders on wet lawns.

Google’s patent application is notably different from Amazon’s planned rival drone delivery service, at least as shown in a recent Amazon commercial. In it, one of the e-commerce giant’s drones hovers above a backyard over a small pad that resembles an Amazon doormat. It then lands on the pad, drops off the package for the family to pick up, and flies away.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

However, Google’s patent filing envisions a more centralized system. Rather than going door-to-door, it delivers to a central and presumably secure hub.

The drone flies to a local delivery box that is equipped with infrared beacon transmitters that help guide the drone to close proximity. The drone would then place the package into the wheeled box, which would then automatically roll to a safe spot like a garage or warehouse that would hold onto the order until the intended recipient shows up. It’s also possible that the box could be outfitted with robotic legs, in which case it would walk to the warehouse and drop off the package using a robotic arm or conveyor belt.

Customers would receive a notification, presumably through a phone or other mobile device, that their package has arrived.

Although it may be more convenient for drones to drop off package at door steps and backyards, the Google filing explains that doing so may be risky. For example, the filing mentions that a drone with a propeller could be dangerous to pets or power lines nearby or that it may have trouble locating a safe landing zone.

Of course, it’s worth noting that just because Google filed a patent, doesn’t mean that this will become reality.

For more on drones watch our video:

In 2014, Amazon filed a similar patent application for its own drone delivery system roughly shown in its commercial. In its filing, the company described a the possibility of customers pressing a “Bring It To Me” button on a smartphone app so that the drone can easily find them using GPS and drop off their package.

Amazon’s filing explained that the drone would scan for animals or people that may be in its way so it can steer clear. Additionally, once the drone nears its destination, it would try to land in a safe area pick out with the help of some undescribed “remote entity controller,” which sounds like a fancy way of saying guidance software.

About the Author
By Jonathan Vanian
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Jonathan Vanian is a former Fortune reporter. He covered business technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data privacy, and other topics.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

President Donald Trump pictured in front of a waving American flag.
EconomyU.S. economy
Trump’s immigration curbs will help take 2.4 million people out of the workforce, but he’s betting AI can pick up the slack
By Tristan BoveFebruary 11, 2026
6 hours ago
Suburban homes
EconomyLabor
The 45-year decline of the middle class costs you $12,000 a year
By Jake AngeloFebruary 11, 2026
8 hours ago
gunman
LawGoogle
Google’s breakthrough in the Nancy Guthrie case is raising uncomfortable questions about how much it’s watching you
By Ashley LutzFebruary 11, 2026
11 hours ago
Demis Hassabis
AIGoogle
Google’s Nobel-winning AI leader sees a ‘renaissance’ ahead—after a 10- or 15-year shakeout
By Nick LichtenbergFebruary 11, 2026
11 hours ago
NewslettersCIO Intelligence
Steelcase’s CTO says the AI boom will reshape office design
By John KellFebruary 11, 2026
11 hours ago
Elon Musk in front of the xAI logo.
AIElon Musk
X-odus: Half of xAI’s founding team has left Elon Musk’s AI company, potentially complicating his plans for a blockbuster SpaceX IPO
By Beatrice NolanFebruary 11, 2026
12 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Economy
America borrowed $43.5 billion a week in the first four months of the fiscal year, with debt interest on track to be over $1 trillion for 2026
By Eleanor PringleFebruary 10, 2026
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
It turns out that Joe Biden really did crush Americans' dreams for the future. Just look at how the vibe changed 5 years ago
By Jake AngeloFebruary 10, 2026
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
Commentary
Something big is happening in AI — and most people will be blindsided
By Matt ShumerFebruary 11, 2026
13 hours ago
placeholder alt text
C-Suite
Meet Jody Allen, the billionaire owner of the Seattle Seahawks, who plans to sell the team and donate the proceeds to charity
By Jake AngeloFebruary 9, 2026
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Law
Law enforcement thought Nancy Guthrie's smart camera was disconnected, but Google Nest still had the tape
By Safiyah Riddle, Michael Liedtke and The Associated PressFebruary 11, 2026
16 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Law
Google's breakthrough in the Nancy Guthrie case is raising uncomfortable questions about how much it's watching you
By Ashley LutzFebruary 11, 2026
11 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.