A Drone Delivered Iced Matcha to Me on a Hot Day in a Park

The midsummer, late-afternoon sun in southern China takes no prisoners. Even in the shade of a tree, I was rapidly wilting in the 104-degree Fahrenheit heat and wishing for an iced beverage.

So I ordered one for delivery – by drone.

Granted, it took 40 minutes to reach me in the middle of Shenzhen Bay Park. At the same time, could I have walked to a store, bought one and returned to my spot on the grass? Sure, but where’s the fun in that? And did I mention the heat?

Shenzhen’s drone delivery is something of a novelty, and seems to appeal more to tourists and visitors than locals in this technologically advanced city. But I was a tourist – one who has for many years been skeptical about delivery drones, particularly when it comes to operating in built-up areas. I felt compelled to test the service for myself.

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