Skip to main content

Amazon drone delivery plan given hope as NASA progresses with air traffic control system

When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in February rolled out its proposed list of regulations for the commercial use of drones, many companies, Amazon among them, were left feeling disappointed.

The reason? The flying machines have to stay in view of the operator at all times, the FAA said. Of course, that’s no good for the Web giant, which is working on an ambitious project that would enable it to deliver small packages by drone to customers living close to its fulfillment centers. Industries hoping to use the machines to conduct inspections of equipment in remote areas are also affected by the proposed rules, which the FAA says are essential to ensure the safety of those on the ground.

Recommended Videos

The good news, however, is that a solution is in the works in the form of an air traffic control system for low-flying aircraft being developed by NASA.

The system, news of which was first reported last September, would help organize drone traffic and also monitor satellite data for adverse weather that could knock the machines out of the sky.

According to a Reuters report this week, progress with the management system is moving forward at a steady pace after NASA began working with U.S. aerospace company Exelis, as well as with a number of universities and other government agencies.

Exelis is of particular use to the project as it has exclusive access to a data feed from 650 aircraft-monitoring ground stations that’s already being used by the FAA to keep tabs on manned flying machines. The aerospace company plans to enhance the technology to include low-altitude aircraft such as drones. Tests are set to begin this summer, with Exelis VP Edward Sayadian hailing the system as a possible solution for unmanned aircraft flights by commercial operators who need to fly them out of sight.

It’s perfectly possible the final system may not involve an operator at all, with NASA reported to be developing a computer-based system with carefully designed algorithms controlling flights.

News of the project’s progress suggests Amazon’s Prime Air project may yet take to the skies, though of course the drone-based delivery plan will still have plenty of regulatory hoops to jump through before then.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
New Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical is the wild watch that was worth the wait
Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical

If you want a watch that will still be going even after your puny human body is done and dusted, then the Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical is the watch to outlast you.

Garmin has just unveiled the latest in its Tactical line-up of Instinct wearables as its toughest and most feature rich yet.

Read more
Slate Unveils $20K Electric Truck That Transforms Into an SUV
slate 20k ev blank  roller 1 web

Slate Automotive, a new American EV startup, has just unveiled its first vehicle: a radically minimalist electric truck that can convert into a five-seat SUV. Dubbed the “Blank Slate,” the EV made its debut this week, instantly turning heads not just for its versatility but for its incredibly low price—starting under $20,000 after federal tax incentives.

Unlike Tesla and Lucid, which launched with high-priced luxury models, Slate wants to flip the model: start cheap, scale up.
At its core, the Slate Truck is a utilitarian, two-seat electric pickup designed for simplicity and affordability. But what sets it apart is its transformative potential. Thanks to a modular accessory system, the truck can be upgraded over time—including a kit that adds a rear seat, roll cage, airbags, and SUV body panels. This means buyers can start with a minimalist pickup and evolve it into a family-friendly SUV—either themselves or through Slate’s growing network of service partners.
Customization is central to Slate’s vision. Owners will be able to choose from over 100 accessories at launch, ranging from vinyl wraps and Bluetooth-ready audio systems to larger battery packs and off-road upgrades. The company encourages a DIY approach, offering tools and tutorials through “Slate University” to empower users to modify and maintain their own vehicles.
Powering the truck is a 52.7-kWh battery for up to 150 miles of range, or an optional 84.3-kWh pack targeting 240 miles. Fast-charging capabilities and Tesla’s NACS port come standard. The vehicle is rear-wheel-drive and delivers around 200 horsepower—enough for urban commuting and light-duty hauling.
What enables the low price is Slate’s stripped-down approach to manufacturing. There’s no paint shop, no stamping, and only one trim level—everything else is modular. The vehicle features steel wheels, crank windows, and a rugged plastic body designed to take a beating and still look good. It’s a rejection of the tech-saturated, high-cost vehicles dominating today’s market.
Despite the minimalist specs, Slate isn’t skimping on safety. The truck is engineered to meet top crash test ratings and comes equipped with up to eight airbags, active emergency braking, and forward collision warning.
Backing this ambitious approach is significant investor support—including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. That backing, combined with a simplified production model, positions Slate to scale quickly once production begins in 2026.
Reservations are now open for $50 at slate.auto, with deliveries expected in late 2026. Whether Americans are ready for a stripped-down, shape-shifting EV remains to be seen, but Slate’s bet on affordability and customization could make it one of the most disruptive entries in the EV market to date.

Read more
ChatGPT’s awesome Deep Research gets a light version and goes free for all
Deep Research option for ChatGPT.

There’s a lot of AI hype floating around, and it seems every brand wants to cram it into their products. But there are a few remarkably useful tools, as well, though they are pretty expensive. ChatGPT’s Deep Research is one such feature, and it seems OpenAI is finally feeling a bit generous about it. 

The company has created a lightweight version of Deep Research that is powered by its new o4-mini language model. OpenAI says this variant is “more cost-efficient while preserving high quality.” More importantly, it is available to use for free without any subscription caveat. 

Read more