Amazon's Drone Delivery Plans Spark Concerns in Massachusetts Communities

Amazon is planning to expand its drone delivery service to Westborough and 14 other nearby communities in Massachusetts, pending approval from local authorities. The company aims to operate drones within a 7.5-mile radius of the facility at 64 Otis St., serving communities west of Boston. However, concerns have been raised about noise levels, safety, and potential delivery mishaps.

Amazon's drone deliveries would be fully autonomous, carrying packages weighing up to 5 pounds to locations within a 7.5-mile radius. The drones are designed to operate in various weather conditions and can cruise at speeds of 60-74 miles per hour. The company hopes to make 1,000 deliveries a day from the facility, although its other operating sites currently average around 500-600 deliveries daily.

Wafaie, an Amazon representative, addressed concerns about noise levels, stating that the drones are loudest during takeoff and landing, with a sound comparable to traffic on a residential street. He also emphasized the safety features of the drones, including redundant propellers and 'detect and avoid' cameras and sensors.