Australia Post testing delivery drones

The Australia Post is currently testing drones for small package delivery. Assuming all goes well, they will be used to test home delivery later in 2016.

The company -- the first of its kind to test this kind of thing, beating Google's plan by some margin -- believes the drones will mean quicker delivery, including for imperative items like medication.

It's said the testing will be rigorous as it's carried out over the next few months. The Post's goal is to to determine exactly what the drones can deliver, how far it can deliver it, and how customers will receive their goods.

"Remotely piloted aircraft technology will continue to evolve over the coming years and while we're not sure what role it will play in our future, we do think there are opportunities for time-critical deliveries or where there are significant distances between the road and front door," said managing director Ahmed Fahour.

"At the heart of our approach to innovation is our passion to help Australian businesses take advantage of the eCommerce boom, while delivering choice and convenience for consumers."

The company is working with local start-up ARI Labs on the drone technology.