New Jersey Tests Drone Food Delivery Service

New Jersey is about to see its first drone food delivery program unfold.

Grubhub is kicking off a three-month pilot program that utilizes drones for food delivery, marking a significant milestone for the Garden State.

This initiative will start on March 18, and it will primarily operate from Wonders-Greenbrook, situated a short distance northeast of Middlesex.

Customers within a 2.5-mile radius can place their orders via the Grubhub app, opting for drone delivery at no extra cost beyond the usual delivery and service fees.

According to the company, these drone deliveries “should” be quicker than the traditional delivery approach.

Wonder’s multi-restaurant model allows patrons to choose from 15 different dishes all at once.

This project is a collaboration with Dexa, a drone delivery service provider, aimed at assessing how drone technology fits within Grubhub’s existing delivery framework.

“Our partnership with Dexa signifies a significant leap in Grubhub’s drive for delivery innovation,” said Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, senior vice president of customer delivery operations at both Wonder and Grubhub.

“We are excited to combine Grubhub’s market knowledge, Wonder’s unique mealtime framework, and Dexa’s advanced drone tech to offer a faster and more reliable delivery experience for diners in New Jersey,” he added.

Before taking flight, trained staff will ensure that all items are securely packaged and stored according to operational and food safety protocols.

During the drop-off, the drones will utilize a tether system to safely deliver orders to the ground.

Customers will be able to track their orders in real-time, receive ETA updates, and get confirmations right through the Grubhub app.

Dexa’s CEO, Beth Flippo, remarked that this service provides “a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology can enhance the customer experience for restaurants and retailers.”

“People are looking for faster, more dependable delivery options, and this partnership illustrates what can be achieved when innovative minds come together,” she said.

The program will employ Dexa’s DE-2020, a fully autonomous drone designed specifically to deliver goods directly to consumers’ doorsteps.

Dexa stands out as one of four companies in the U.S. certified by the FAA to manufacture and operate delivery drones, ensuring adherence to all safety regulations.

Deliveries will follow authorized flight paths aimed at increasing safety while minimizing noise and disturbance for nearby residents.