Uber adds Zipline drones to its Eats delivery network

Uber is collaborating with drone delivery company Zipline to drastically expand its Uber Eats delivery network through aerial transportation. The partnership aims for one million daily deliveries by 2029, starting with Zipline's existing markets this year. The companies have not disclosed the investment amount. Uber is pursuing this strategy across various new technologies, similar to its approach with autonomous vehicles, by collaborating with multiple providers.

This includes a previous partnership with Flytrex. Uber Eats anticipates deliveries within five to 10 minutes, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi describing "truly quick commerce" as a larger market than the initial food-focused segment. Zipline recently completed a $800 million funding round, raising its valuation to $7.6 billion. The co-founder of Zipline, Keller Cliffton, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it represents the next step in building a world where obtaining necessities is as swift and effortless as sending a text message, regardless of one's location.