When people talk about Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER) and the future, the conversation usually starts with self-driving cars. But CEO Dara Khosrowshahi wants you to look up. Drones, he says, might be the technology that actually changes how you experience the service.
"What I am increasingly optimistic about are the potential with drones," Khosrowshahi said on Uber's second-quarter earnings call.
His pitch is simple: cut food delivery from the current 30 minutes down to 10 or 15, and you've fundamentally changed the game. That's not just a marginal improvement; it's a whole new experience.
Why Uber Is Looking Up
Uber has spent the past year building out partnerships across the autonomous spectrum, from robotaxis to sidewalk delivery robots to drone delivery company Flytrex. The common thread is speed.
"Drone delivery can cut the timing of delivery significantly," Khosrowshahi said, though he acknowledged that costs won't be sustainable right away. But if the speed is there, he argues, consumers will find it compelling.
"Already… ordering dinner and getting it delivered to your home in 30 minutes is a magical experience," he added. "We think in 15 minutes—it's going to be, you know, 10 to 15 minutes—is going to be an even more magical experience."
Uber's Autonomous Strategy Goes Beyond Self-Driving Cars
Uber is already working with partners like Serve Robotics Inc. (SERV) and Cartken on sidewalk delivery robots. Drones are the next logical step.
"While we're on the sidewalks now as it relates to our delivery business, we're looking forward to getting in the air with some of the partners out there," Khosrowshahi said.
This is a reminder that Uber's autonomous strategy is broader than just replacing drivers with robotaxis. The company has been making headlines with partnerships involving Waymo, Zoox, Wayve, and Nuro, but management increasingly frames autonomy as an ecosystem. Robotaxis, delivery robots, and aerial drones are all pieces of the same puzzle, with Uber as the platform connecting them to consumers.
For investors, the takeaway is that Uber isn't just about automating rides. Faster deliveries are a big part of the vision, and Khosrowshahi thinks cutting delivery times to 10 to 15 minutes could be one of the clearest signs that the future is actually arriving.
