Google has scrapped plans for the Project Wing delivery drone and is reportedly working on a new design.
Google X research lab head Astro Teller told the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, that the initial design was difficult to control.
The company had unveiled the Project Wing drone-delivery system in August 2014, with the drone designed to deliver goods to people living in remote locations, such as those in need of disaster relief, where typical aircraft deliveries would not be possible.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Teller said the team debated whether to scrap the design or test it quickly in public.
Google CEO Larry Page urged his team to deliver a prototype that is expected to supply goods within five months.
The team have now started working on a new design that moves away from the single-wing-based approach.
Teller said: "They’re now working on that vehicle." An update on the status of the new drone is expected to be released later this year.
Google X is the company’s secretive research and development arm, which is also responsible for Google Glass, Project Loon, and its self-driving cars.
