Uber, Zipline partner on US drone delivery for Uber Eats

Uber Technologies and Zipline have announced a collaboration to introduce autonomous drone delivery for Uber Eats across the United States. The partnership comes with a strategic investment from Uber in the drone delivery company. The goal is to achieve 1 million drone deliveries per day by the end of 2029, starting with deliveries later this year.

The service will initially launch in Zipline’s existing U.S. markets, eventually expanding to dozens of other cities. Uber has not disclosed the specifics of their financial investment in Zipline. Zipline, operating on four continents, has already completed 2 million deliveries. The company was recently valued at $7.6 billion following a $800 million fundraising round earlier this year.

This deal echoes Uber’s previous partnership with drone firm Flytrex last year, which also involved an investment. Zipline has been broadening its U.S. presence, partnering with commercial entities such as Walmart and numerous restaurant brands including Panera, Chipotle, and Wendy's.