Amazon Wants Its Delivery Drones to Speak

Much like the self-driving car has progressed from science fiction toward reality, the idea of using unmanned flying drones to deliver packages by Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has slowly moved forward. The concept has gone from seeming farfetched, to if not inevitable, at least highly probable. Amazon has steadily advanced the idea, even conducting tests while also working toward addressing potential safety and operational concerns.

The online retailer is not alone in its efforts to both create the technology and legalize drone delivery. Wal-Mart has its own effort, and both Chipotle and Domino's have at least used the unmanned flying vehicles in tests, albeit in a less serious, more gimmicky way.

Amazon, however, has been at the forefront of the drone movement with details of its plans slowly emerging. In February, a patent application revealed that the retailer wanted to equip some drones with parachutes. Now, despite the fact that it's not currently legal to use unmanned flying vehicles for most commercial activities (including nearly all package delivery) in the United States, Amazon has received another patient that sheds light on its plans. It reportedly is considering drones that can speak out loud.

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Source: Fool.com