Uber Incorporates Zipline Drones into Its Eats Delivery System

Uber is teaming up with Zipline, a drone delivery company, with the goal of reaching one million daily deliveries through its drones by the end of 2029.

As announced by the companies on Monday, Zipline’s drones are expected to start making their first deliveries on the Uber Eats platform before the year’s end. These early deliveries will occur in Zipline’s existing markets, with intentions to broaden their reach to “numerous U.S. cities.”

The exact amount of Uber’s investment has not been publicly revealed.

In its efforts to enhance the Uber Eats division, Uber has been partnering with various drone delivery companies. The ride-hailing giant is reflecting on its initial business model for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicle services, working to incorporate a wide array of companies onto its platform.

This approach has enabled Uber to maintain a forefront position in emerging technologies, despite exiting its own projects such as the aerial ride-sharing service, Uber Elevate, and the Uber Autonomous Technologies Group dedicated to self-driving vehicles. Investments are a vital component of this plan, with Uber committing over $10 billion to various autonomous vehicle vendors.

Nonetheless, this strategy is not free of complications. Uber recently encountered a disagreement with one of its prominent partners, Waymo, with speculation that they may part ways when their contracts expire in 2028. Furthermore, Uber and Waymo are currently at odds regarding a growing conflict over autonomous vehicle regulations.

Previously, Uber tested drone delivery while operating its Elevate division. The company revisited this idea late last year by announcing a partnership with Israeli startup Flytrex, which included a minor investment.

Uber anticipates that Zipline’s drones can deliver orders on the Uber Eats platform in about five to ten minutes. “True quick commerce is emerging as a larger market than the original food market,” stated Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. “We regard this as a significant driver for the next phase of growth for Eats.”

Founded in San Francisco, Zipline recently completed an extended Series H funding round, securing $800 million and elevating its valuation to $7.6 billion.

“Every major transportation revolution has reshaped living patterns, transformed business operations, and fueled economic growth,” commented Zipline co-founder Keller Cliffton. “Partnering with Uber, we are advancing towards a world where getting essential items is as quick and easy as sending a text, no matter where you are.”