Seems like the delivery by drone business is picking pace in the USA.
Grubhub, the United States food marketplace has today announced the launch of a test program integrating Drone Express (DEXA's) drone delivery service for customers ordering from food delivery platform Wonder's Green Brook location in the state of New Jersey.
Grubhub is an ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers, through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms.
The marketplace provider reckons the drone delivery initiative marks a historic milestone for highly automated delivery in New Jersey and represents the first time drone technology will be used for commercial food delivery in the state.
Grubhub’s partner is drone logistics company DEXA, which helps restaurants, retailers, and enterprise partners deliver products faster, fresher, and more efficiently through fully automated airborne delivery solutions.
Commencing on March 18, eligible customers within a 2.5-mile delivery radius of Wonder Green Brook will be able to order Wonder through the Grubhub app and opt for drone delivery, which should arrive faster than traditional delivery methods — at no additional cost beyond standard delivery and service fees, according to Grubhub.
"Our partnership with DEXA represents a major step forward in Grubhub's commitment to delivery innovation," said Abhishek Poykayil, SVP of Customer Delivery Operations at Wonder and Grubhub.
"By connecting Grubhub's marketplace expertise, Wonder's innovative mealtime platform, and DEXA's expansive drone technology, we're proud to introduce a faster and more efficient way for New Jersey diners to experience food delivery without compromising safety or reliability."
The statement further explained that the three-month program will test the integration of advanced aerial technology within Grubhub's existing marketplace platform and mark the first time Grubhub and Wonder are bringing drone delivery to its customers.
“Through Wonder's innovative multi-restaurant model, diners are able to choose from fifteen concepts for drone delivery, all prepared to order within a single location. The blend of culinary variety, quality, and operational efficiency creates a seamless experience that pairs naturally with the speed and precision of drone delivery.”
DEXA will be deploying the DE-2020, a fully automated delivery aircraft designed to transport goods directly to customers' homes.
The drone company is one of only five US companies – Wing Aviation (Alphabet), UPS Flight Forward, Amazon Prime Air, and Zipline – that both manufactures and operates Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Air Carrier–certified delivery drones.
Before each flight, DEXA's flight crews verify that all items are packaged correctly and secured in accordance with operational and food‑safety standards.
During delivery, the drone places orders on the ground using a controlled tether system. Powered by advanced autonomy and secure communications technology, the DE‑2020 is engineered for precision, reliability, and safe operation in real‑world conditions.
Deliveries follow approved flight paths designed to prioritise safety and minimise noise and disruption to surrounding communities.
The workflow is seamless, with delivery tracking, customer communication, and support managed through the Grubhub platform. Diners and staff can access real‑time GPS tracking, estimated arrival notifications, and order confirmations, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience from start to finish.
"Consumers want delivery that's faster and more reliable – and this collaboration shows what's possible when industry innovators come together," said Beth Flippo, Chief Executive Officer of DEXA.
"This service is a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level."
Following the three-month test program, Grubhub will evaluate and explore expanding drone delivery to additional nearby restaurant partners.