The automated delivery race is set to grab the public's attention in 2017. Drones in our skies and robots on our pavements will be tested to meet ever-increasing consumer demands.<br /><br />Click here to subscribe to The Economist on YouTube: http://econ.trib.al/rWl91R7 <br /><br />It's been a dream of futurists for years but 2017 will see the automated delivery race pick up the pace. In December 2016, retail giant Amazon released this documentary-style promotional video. It makes clear the technology's already here for their drone to deliver a package from depot to customer in 13 minutes.<br /><br />Amazon isn't the only tech giant with its eyes on the skies but there are some big obstacles to overcome before pilot programmes give way to a mass roll out. <br /><br />And there are other concerns which obscure the path to widespread drone delivery. With aerial delivery still getting air borne robot pavement deliveries are likely to edge ahead next year.<br /><br />Ground or air, robot deliveries are unlikely to be an industry game-changer just yet but the advances in 2017 will be sure to hit the headlines.<br /><br />Daily Watch: mind-stretching short films every day of the working week.<br /><br />For more from Economist Films visit: http://films.economist.com/ <br />Check out The Economist’s full video catalogue: http://econ.st/20IehQk <br />Like The Economist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEconomist/ <br />Follow The Economist on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theeconomist <br />Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeconomist/ <br />Follow us on LINE: http://econ.st/1WXkOo6 <br />Follow us on Medium: https://medium.com/@the_economist
