Robotic Dogs Tee Off: Drone Delivery Tests Swing into Action at Rome Country Club

On a crisp Thursday morning, the rolling greens of Rome Country Club in New York became the testing ground for a futuristic vision: food delivery via drones and robotic dogs. The Daily Sentinel reported that Drone City, a rising star in aerial tech, partnered with the club to explore how drones and robotic dogs can deliver snacks and drinks to golfers mid-round, blending innovation with convenience on the fairways.

A New Spin on Golf Course Convenience

Drone City, led by founder Mehdi Salehi, conducted early tests to assess how their tech performs in a real-world setting. The robotic dog, carrying a small black bag, navigated the grassy hills with ease after minor sensor tweaks. Salehi noted its impressive performance: “It navigated turf smoothly, operated quietly, engaged with golfers, and demonstrated solid range and battery life.” Meanwhile, an in-house drone was tested for its ability to handle wind speeds over the open course—a critical factor for safe aerial delivery.

The concept is simple yet groundbreaking. Golfers could use a cell phone app to order refreshments, which would be loaded onto a drone at the clubhouse. Using GPS coordinates, the drone would deliver the order directly to the golfer’s location on the course.

“Imagine ordering a snack or drink mid-round on a golf course and watching a drone glide in with your order, or, as we saw today, a robotic dog bringing over a cold beverage,” Salehi told the Sentinel.

This fusion of utility and charm could redefine convenience for recreational spaces.

Technical Innovations Driving the Future

The robotic dog, sourced from a third-party developer, showcased its ability to traverse uneven terrain—a key feature for golf courses spanning hundreds of acres. Drone City’s in-house drone, designed for lightweight payloads, was evaluated for stability in winds up to 15 mph, a common challenge on open fairways. Salehi emphasized the practical advantages of the setting: “A golf course offers a great real-world testbed: open space for safe flight paths, clear sightlines, and a natural demand for on-demand refreshments.”

Drone City’s tech isn’t starting from scratch. The company, which won a $250,000 prize in the 2024 HUSTLE Defense Accelerator program at the Griffiss Institute, has 12 years of drone experience. They’ve already facilitated commercial drone deliveries in New York and are now scaling manufacturing in the Mohawk Valley, a hub for tech innovation. The next steps involve designing a drone optimized for golf courses and developing a user-friendly app for golfers, with further field tests focusing on safety and human interaction.

Industry Impacts: Redefining Recreation and Robotics

This collaboration signals a broader trend: drones and robotics are moving beyond industrial applications into recreational spaces. Golf courses, with their open layouts and minimal obstacles (no power lines, as Salehi noted), are ideal for testing aerial delivery systems. Regulatory hurdles remain—FAA guidelines require drones to operate within visual line of sight—but the controlled environment of a private course simplifies compliance. Economically, this could open new revenue streams for country clubs while offering drone tech companies like Drone City a niche market to refine their systems.

DroneXL’s Take: A Hole-in-One for Innovation

At DroneXL, we’re thrilled to see drones and robotic dogs take on the golf course—talk about a tech-powered birdie! This isn’t just about delivering a soda; it’s about proving that aerial and ground robotics can work together to enhance everyday experiences. Imagine a future where your local park or beach has robotic delivery systems, making convenience as seamless as a well-struck drive. Drone City’s focus on safety, usability, and real-world testing shows they’re not just chasing trends—they’re building a future we can all get behind. Let’s hope their next swing is as smooth as that robotic dog’s stride across the green.

Photos courtesy of Sentinel / John Clifford