--- title: "Drone Delivery Services Cause Noise Pollution Concerns" url: https://noti.group/drone-delivery-services-cause-noise-pollution-concerns/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-28T00:01:10.000Z updated: 2026-10-28T08:34:02.723Z id: f4473042-fc21-4f9f-a804-d84ed18b8b24 source: "BBC News Technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck1exgejq3xvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/drone-delivery-services-cause-noise-pollution-concerns/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Drone Delivery Services Cause Noise Pollution Concerns Residents in areas with increased drone activity report noise pollution issues and disruptions to daily activities. The increasing presence of delivery drones has become a nuisance for many residents, particularly those who enjoy spending time outdoors or simply prefer a quieter environment. One such individual is Ashley Schmidt, an administrative assistant from North Garland in the Dallas suburb, who has had to abandon her garden and cycling activities due to the noise. The constant buzzing of drones overhead triggers her fight or flight response. The problem lies with companies like Amazon and Walmart, which are rapidly expanding their drone delivery services across the US. They aim to speed up home deliveries by dispatching drones equipped to carry items that fit into a shoe box-sized space. As a result, Schmidt is not alone in her frustration; there are many others who have had to adapt to this new reality. Amazon Prime Air is one of the leading players in the drone delivery market, with plans to expand its services to nearly 500 cities and towns across the US. In addition, it has also launched in certain areas of England, including Darlington in the north. The company's goal is to provide fast and efficient deliveries using drones. While Amazon dominates the scene, smaller companies are also entering the market. In some US cities, residents can order food or treats from local businesses such as pizza joints or ice cream parlors via drone delivery. This trend highlights the growing demand for quick and convenient services that utilize cutting-edge technology. As the number of drones in the skies increases, so does the noise pollution it generates. Schmidt's experience serves as a stark reminder of the impact this has on people's daily lives. The article will continue to explore the implications of drone delivery on communities and individuals like Ashley Schmidt. The sound of drones is becoming a growing concern in urban areas where noise is already a constant presence. Unlike the steady hum of traffic, which tends to blend into the background, the sudden whine of a drone's rotors can be jarring and intrusive. Acoustic engineers have noted that people are particularly sensitive to new or unexpected sounds, especially when they occur at low altitudes and directly over residential areas. This is because such sounds can disrupt the local soundscape and become a source of annoyance for those who experience them. Research in acoustic engineering has shown that people respond strongly to noises they consider novel, intrusive, or frequent. This means that communities exposed to drone delivery services may initially be more sensitive to the noise due to its novelty and potential disruption to their usual environment. As the drone sector continues to expand, complaints about noise are likely to increase, according to experts in acoustic engineering. With more drones operating in residential areas, people's tolerance for the noise is expected to decrease, leading to growing concerns about the impact of drone delivery on local communities. Regulators like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have a role to play in addressing these concerns, but ultimately it falls on operators and community leaders to find solutions that balance the benefits of drone delivery with the need for quieter operations. Greenjets, a London-based startup, is working to reduce drone noise by at least two thirds through its innovative propulsion system. This system encloses spinning blades inside a pod, which mutes the sound and redirects it away from the ground, unlike traditional drones that use open-air propellers. Additionally, Greenjets' technology achieves quieter operation by slowing down rotor speed and using materials that minimize vibration noise, further reducing the irritating buzz associated with drone flight. The company's low-noise tech has already been employed in various contexts, including law enforcement and harbour security teams in Germany, as well as conservation efforts in Africa to track poachers without being detected. Battlefield operators also have a vested interest in keeping drones quiet, as alerting enemies to their presence can compromise stealth missions. Designers of drones used in military operations often prioritize speed over stealthiness, as evident from their approach to these machines. However, some developers are exploring ways to reduce the noise generated by drones, making them less detectable. Greg Sharrow, a Detroit-based entrepreneur, stumbled upon the challenge of quieter drone design while attempting to broadcast a classical music performance in 2012. He needed to capture a violinist from an unusual angle and initially considered using a drone but was deterred by its expected noise level. Sharrow's investigation revealed that most of the drone's noise came from its propeller, specifically the pointed tips of the blades slicing through the air. He wondered what would happen if he designed a propeller with twisted loop-shaped blades, eliminating the sharp edges that created the disturbance. In an unusual twist, Sharrow found it easier to test his innovative design in water than repeatedly flying a drone. As a result, he initially developed a less noisy boat propeller before shifting focus to creating "ultra-quiet drone rotors for his company, Sharrow Engineering. Sharrow's team has confirmed that the new technology significantly reduces noise levels and is now being adapted for use in drones. The development of quieter drones could have far-reaching implications, particularly for military operations where stealth is crucial. Companies developing drone delivery services are also working to reduce the noise levels of their fleets. Amazon has reported measurable sound improvements" in its drones, and its latest designs feature custom-designed propellers that produce significantly less noise than previous models. Wing, a leading drone manufacturer, is also addressing the issue by designing its propellers to minimize noise output. Furthermore, Wing's flight paths are varied to avoid repeated overflights over individual homes or neighborhoods, reducing disturbance for residents. The efforts to develop quieter drones have significant implications, particularly for military operations where stealth is crucial. --- Source: [BBC News Technology](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck1exgejq3xvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/drone-delivery-services-cause-noise-pollution-concerns/