Tech Disruptors Alphabet’s Woodworth on Drone-Delivery Moonshot
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Dec 15, 2025 Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing, Alphabet's drone-delivery subsidiary, shares his insights on the future of drone delivery, emphasizing its potential for consumer packages and groceries. He discusses the evolution of drone technology and regulations, including FAA's proposed rules. Woodworth details the hybrid design of their drones and how they are engineered for suburban deliveries. He also touches on community outreach efforts to address noise concerns and the integration of AI for improved flight safety and efficiency in this transformative delivery service.
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Sky Sensing Is Easier, But Planes Can't Stop
- Drone sensing is easier than street driving but aircraft must never stop, raising unique reliability challenges.
- Adam Woodworth says regulatory progress mattered as much as tech in making drone delivery viable.
Demand Clear Rules Not Exemptions
- Push regulators from exemptions to clear, stable rules so operations scale predictably.
- Use published rulemaking like beyond-visual-line-of-sight to remove ad-hoc waivers and enable growth.
Wing Is A Delivery Engine For Retail
- Wing focuses on consumer delivery via partners like DoorDash and Walmart rather than operating storefronts.
- The company positions itself as the delivery engine for lightweight, on‑demand items.