Amazon is bringing drone delivery to Chicago’s south suburbs, with plans to launch its Prime Air service from its massive fulfillment centers in Markham and Matteson later this year.
The company’s drone program would allow customers within roughly a seven-and-a-half mile radius to receive certain packages by air in as little as two hours .
Launching from Markham’s Robotics Facility
In Markham, city leaders say the drones will launch from Amazon’s sprawling robotics fulfillment center located just off the Tri-State Tollway.
Derrick Champion, Markham’s city administrator and director of economic development, said Amazon’s investment in the community began several years ago when the company built what he described as its largest robotics fulfillment center in the nation.
“It’s going to launch right here, locally from Amazon’s launching pad here, off of 294,” Champion said.
The five-million-square-foot facility, which began construction in 2020 and officially launched in 2022, employs about 3,000 people, according to city officials.
Champion says the drone program is expected to add additional jobs — potentially around 50 positions — while also generating sales tax revenue for the city.
How the Drone Delivery Would Work
According to Champion, drones will deliver packages directly to homes within a set radius. The aircraft are designed to scan for people and pets before lowering packages to a designated drop zone.
“They can within a certain radius, they’ll be able to drop a package right safely, and it will scan for people and pets as well, right in your front yard or backyard or wherever the designated location is,” Champion said .
Prime Air first launched nearly five years ago and is currently operating in parts of Arizona and Texas . However, recent reports of a drone crash in Arizona have raised questions about safety.
Champion said Amazon has tested the technology extensively before bringing it to the south suburbs.
“I know that Amazon has did their due diligence out in Arizona,” he said, adding that a regional community event is planned to demonstrate the program and answer questions .
Mixed Reaction from Residents
While city officials are optimistic, some residents and workers in Markham say they still have concerns.
Karen Cook, who works in the area, questioned how the deliveries would function in practice.
“Well, how heavy of a package can they carry? Is the package going to just be dropped? Do they put it in a specific place, or you just taking it to the address and dropping it?” Cook said .
Cook also raised concerns about package theft, particularly during the holidays.
“No, I barely get packages delivered to my job by anything,” she said when asked if she would want a drone delivering to her home.
Others have asked about job impacts and whether drone delivery could replace traditional drivers.
Community Meeting Scheduled
City officials say drone deliveries are expected to begin later this year, though an exact timeline has not been announced.
A regional community meeting hosted by Amazon is scheduled for March 2 in Tinley Park, where residents can learn more about how the program will operate.
Markham officials say they view the program as part of the city’s broader push toward becoming a “smart city,” highlighting existing investments such as electrification stations, a solar farm and smart street poles.
For now, many residents say they are taking a wait-and-see approach as the cutting-edge technology prepares to take flight over the south suburbs.
Hence then, the article about amazon to launch drone delivery service in chicago s south suburbs was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Amazon to launch drone delivery service in Chicago's south suburbs )
Also on site :
- TTW Announces Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations in the World for 2026
- 'Barbie' Star Shares Emotional Tribute to Eric Dane
- This Terrible New Olympic Event Must Be Exiled From the Games Forever