Google Wing notches up drone delivery first

Google Wing has launched the first home delivery drone service in Australia.

The venture, owned by Google's parent company Alphabet, will deliver takeaway food, coffee and medicines to about 100 homes in Canberra, following tests in the country that kicked off in 2014.

Australia's aviation authority has given Wing permission to launch a commercial service. Trials had attracted complaints from local residents who said the drones were noisy and intrusive. Wing in response noted it had developed a quieter drone.

These will not be allowed to fly over main roads; they can only fly between 7am and 8pm on Monday to Friday (or between 8am and 8pm on Sundays), and they will be restricted from going too close to people. Customers in eligible homes will also be given a safety briefing about interacting with the drones.