By Dan Reiss    

Time Magazine published an article today about Amazon seeking permission to test their controversial new “Prime Air” drone program.

While Amazon’s Prime Air drone program has plenty of skeptics, the e-commerce giant has nonetheless begun obtaining federal permission to test this groundbreaking delivery system. We’ve seen companies like Dominos do a pizza delivery by drone for a gag commercial, but how realistic is drone delivery?

I’ll admit, I’m one of the holdouts on this becoming the next big thing in delivery. Among my many concerns are product security, public safety and potential malfunctioning issues.

The image of a defective drone jettisoning a package from the heavens onto a crowded street corner certainly doesn’t sound appealing. Not to mention, it’s America – there is no shortage of conspiracy theorists. Some of the more radical government skeptics would have no qualms about loading their shotgun and shooting down a drone from the sky – even if the aircraft is simply delivering someone’s Hutzler 571 Banana Slicer.

In terms of package security, how difficult could it be for someone to hack a drone controller or just shoot one down and steal its contents? Although Amazon would certainly implement methods of tracking their drones and the products inside, we shouldn’t underestimate the creativity of criminals whose livelihood depends on stealing valuable merchandise. On the other hand, what’s to prevent lightning from hitting a drone or some sort of malfunction causing it to drop the package it’s carrying on an unsuspecting passerby’s head?

My unwavering skepticism aside, drones could certainly become the next step in consumer home delivery. Regardless of what happens, Amazon has quite a few hoops to jump through before your AutoExec Wheelmate Steering Wheel Attachable Work Surface Tray will be buzzing at your front door.

At Home Delivery World USA 2015 next April 8 – 9 in Atlanta, we’ll be exploring all these new technologies and strategies to get products to consumers faster, better and cheaper. Come join us to learn more…