Many are still buzzing about the recent statement by Amazon's Jeff Bezos on CBS's "60 Minutes" that the company hopes to be delivering small packages to private homes in just 30 minutes by unmanned drones within five years.
But while the merits or potential problems suggested by that scenario continue to be debated, work proceeds at the University of Colorado to boost the state's chances of being a leader in developing the seemingly limitless potential of drones, from agriculture to commerce, law enforcement and beyond.
CU assembled and submitted the state's application in May to be awarded one of six national Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, test sites, and the Federal Aviation Administration is committed to naming those six by the end of this month.
Now, formation last month of the startup business Rocky Mountain UAS is seen by proponents of drone technology at CU as greatly strengthening Colorado's chances of being awarded one of the test sites.
"Of everything that has happened so far, that's the biggest news so far, that we've been able to reach out and partner with those who are interested in this endeavor to create a company," said CU aerospace engineering sciences professor Brian Argrow.
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