Drone delivery service for golfers

Japanese etailer Rakuten brings UAVs to the golfing world via Sora Raku, a drone-based delivery service.

With its slow pace and abundance of woolen vests, golf doesn’t seem like the most tech-friendly sport. But we have already seen a hovercraft golf cart and tech-enabled, foldable golf kits. Now, Japanese etailer Rakuten brings UAVs to the golfing world via Sora Raku, a drone-based delivery service for golfers.

From this month, players at the Camel Golf Course in Tokyo will be able to order equipment, snacks, beverages and more straight onto the golf course via the Sora Raku Android app. To begin, users simply download the app and log in using their Rakuten member ID. Then they place an order and pay with a credit card or Rakuten Super Points. Once an order is received, staff at the nearby depot pack the order into a delivery box and load it onto the drone. Golfers receive a notification on the app, and the drone is sent to the nearest pickup point. Once it has landed, the drone automatically releases the goods and returns to the depot. Players pick up their supplies and continue their game with minimal disruption.

The service will be trialled at the Camel Golf Course, and if successful, expand to other golf courses. How else could drones be used to improve consumer sports?