Uber and Zipline Team Up to Scale Drone Delivery in the U.S. — Uber Technologies, Inc.

Event summary

Uber and Zipline have formed a strategic partnership to scale drone delivery across the U.S., with initial deployments starting later in 2026.
Uber will make a strategic investment in Zipline, aiming to reach one million drone deliveries per day by the end of 2029.
Zipline operates on four continents, making a delivery every 20 seconds and serving over 5,000 hospitals.
Uber Eats customers will soon have the option to receive orders via Zipline’s autonomous drones.

The big picture

This partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of last-mile delivery, combining Uber’s extensive logistics network with Zipline’s proven drone technology. The move reflects broader industry trends toward faster, more sustainable delivery methods, potentially reshaping urban logistics and consumer expectations. The scale of Zipline’s existing operations—over 135 million autonomous miles flown—suggests a robust foundation for scaling this technology in the U.S.

What we're watching

Execution Risk: Whether Uber and Zipline can meet their ambitious target of one million drone deliveries per day by 2029.
Regulatory Headwinds: How U.S. regulations will impact the scaling of drone delivery operations.
Market Adoption: The pace at which consumers and small businesses will embrace drone delivery as a primary logistics option.