Robots that can fly aren’t traditionally a part of Uber’s modus operandi, but on Friday, the famous ride-sharing company is changing that. Uber is going to start using these drones in order to deliver things that their cars cannot. On Friday, Uber started using drones in order to deliver ice cream to customers in Singapore.
Uber has been doing its ice cream delivery promotions for almost four years. With the day long even coming out soon in 252 cities and in 57 countries around the world, Uber is doing something very different in south east Asia by using these flying drones as a more futuristic delivery mechanism.
UBER’S BEEN DELIVERING ICE CREAM FOR HOW LONG?
Uber customers usually received their cool ice cream treats by an Uber driver, or by a runner who has a backpack. It is mainly a matter of requesting an ice cream delivery through the Uber app, with the delivery of your frozen treat in a matter of minutes. In some places, including eight cities in the UK, ice cream is free. However, in other places, there is a fee that is automatically billed to whatever credit card is associated with your Uber account.
Uber has received criticism from their ice cream delivery promotions last year from Australian users. They complained about hidden charges made for every ice cream request. The company called this a “temporary verification” charge.
DRONES WILL BE USED IN PARTS OF SINGAPORE
However, if you are in Singapore, the drones will become more available near certain areas. There are strict licenses and permits that are required for operating drones in and around Singapore. Drones will be restricted to certain areas around the marina. These statements were made by Uber’s communication manager for South Asia and India.
Uber’s value is estimated to be around $40 billion and has been on a marketing race to build up its customer base despite the tight regulations and crackdowns from authorities around the world. Increased competition is also something that is becoming a problem for Uber.
UBER TEAMING UP WITH XIAOMI TO DELIVER SMART PHONES
Aside from its ice cream delivery promotions, the company is now teaming up with Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi in Malaysia and Singapore to deliver the new Mi Note Pro phone within an hour of the customer ordering it.
