Uber is trying drone delivery again

Uber plans to resume testing drone deliveries for Uber Eats in select U.S. markets by the end of the year through a new partnership with Israeli startup Flytrex. This collaboration includes a minor investment from Uber in Flytrex, though the amount was not disclosed. The move reflects Uber's renewed interest in technologies it previously explored internally, such as autonomous vehicles and electric air taxis, which it aims to integrate into its services in the near future. Uber initially experimented with drone food deliveries in 2019 but discontinued the effort due to regulatory challenges and later sold its aviation division, Elevate, to Joby. However, with regulatory restrictions on new aircraft types easing, companies like Flytrex and Zipline are advancing aerial delivery as a practical service. Flytrex, which also partners with DoorDash, has reportedly completed over 200,000 drone deliveries across the U.S., positioning it as a significant player in this emerging market.