By 2024, Zipline had undergone a remarkable transformation from its early days of delivering blood and life-saving medicines in Africa to becoming a global leader in autonomous drone delivery systems. This case study builds on the 2019 case “Zipline: Lifesaving Deliveries by Drone.” It begins by exploring the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which lockdowns halted traditional delivery channels, making Zipline’s autonomous robotic delivery system a lifeline for health care systems. The case examines Zipline’s strategic geographic pivots and the development of Platform 2, an advanced home delivery system. It delves into the operational, regulatory, and financial challenges Zipline faced while scaling its operations, expanding its geographic footprint, and redefining its mission to create the next generation of delivery infrastructure that “approximates teleportation” for a wide range of products and a diverse array of customers. The case provides insights into the company’s innovative approaches to navigating the technology learning curve and building a sustainable for-profit model that allows it to operate in both developing and developed economies.
