The Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, chaired by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), today held a hearing to discuss how businesses are adopting the latest trends in technology to transform the delivery process for consumers. Witnesses provided testimony about how their businesses are leveraging technology to provide same-day delivery services to consumers.
To begin the hearing, Chairman Latta discussed how emerging technologies and cutting-edge innovation are disrupting the delivery service industry as we know it. “In today’s digital, on-demand economy, consumers have come to expect flexibility and quick delivery. In fact, a 2016 survey indicates that same-day delivery is a priority for consumers and that consumers want to have options for where their deliveries go – whether that be their office or some other personalized pickup point.”
Co-Founder and CEO of Postmates, Bastian Lehmann, discussed how on-demand platforms are disrupting delivery networks to benefit consumers. He spoke about how his company is integrating the newest technologies, such as robotics, to capitalize on short-distance deliveries and reduce cost for consumers.
He stated, “Our thesis then, is that since both human hands, and robotic operators [are] now on the ground, commerce across a given town is able to move at even higher rates, with more functional ways to make deliveries in a given city. In the long term, this could ultimately help drive down the overall cost of delivery, as the supply of couriers increases.”
Witnesses listen as Dr. Harry Holzer reads his prepared testimony.
Offering another perspective on the benefits of delivery and transportation systems, was Brian Wynne, President and CEO of Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.
He offered, “From inspecting pipelines to newsgathering to mapping flood zones, UAS [Unammed Aircraft System] help save time, save money and, most importantly, save lives. It is no wonder why thousands of businesses – small and large–have already embraced this technology, and many more are considering integrating it into their future operations.” With regard to UAS’ role in delivery services, Mr. Wynne noted that many big-name companies like UPS and Amazon are “already testing and discovering the possibilities of UAS” through technology like drones and have successfully “transform[ed] deliveries over water and on the ground.”
Providing testimony as to how drones are changing the delivery landscape, was Shyam Chidamber, Chief Evangelist and Senior Advisor at Flirtey.
“Most people are no doubt familiar with the military applications of drone technology. But I am here to suggest to you that drones are a game changing commercial and civilian technology –one, we believe can save lives and enhance lifestyles.” He concludes by stating, “This brings me to the larger point, that drones save lives, increase blue collar productivity, create new jobs, enhance worker and community safety.”
Source: Energy & Commerce Committee