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Predictions about the future of office coffee almost always relate to things like user preferences, coffee bean sources, and pricing. IBM has its own prediction, a prediction that is rooted in a technology they have invented. The only question is whether their invention will succeed or not. If it does, the future of office coffee could be taking flight in the near future.

A USA Today article published at the end of August (2018) describes what IBM calls their coffee drone. Apparently, the 107-year-old technology company has filed both patents and trademarks for a drone device that flies around public spaces delivering cups of coffee to those in need.

Airborne Coffee Delivery

Trademark filings indicate that IBM’s coffee drone could be used in just about any public space, including the typical office. It could be deployed to deliver a cup of coffee ordered using a smartphone or kiosk. The drone could ostensibly fly around a public space waiting to be hailed by a coffee drinker who places an order and then waits for the airborne delivery.

We must admit, the concept is rather intriguing on its face. We can even see how it would work at something like an outdoor music festival or in a public park setting. But there appear to be too many pitfalls to use it effectively in an office or café. For starters, just think of the implications of drones flying around in enclosed spaces.

To make it work, IBM would definitely have to address the following:

Noise – The sound of drones buzzing through the air might elicit a bit of excitement at first, but it would not take long for the noise to get old. Workers trying to concentrate on their tasks would be driven crazy by the constant buzzing going on over their heads.

Lighting and Fixtures – Galaxie Coffee delivers to a lot of New York area offices, and we can tell you that office environments are not known for their unencumbered airspace. There are all sorts of lights and other fixtures to get in the way. Having to navigate an office could create quite a challenge.

Accidental Spills – Perhaps the biggest pitfall of airborne coffee delivery is the accidental spill. Do you remember that lady who sued McDonald’s years ago because she spilled hot coffee and burned herself? Imagine what is going to happen the first time an IBM drone loses its load in the middle of the office.

Not a Good Fit for Office Coffee

It doesn’t appear that IBM’s coffee drone is a practical solution for office coffee. But who knows? They could find a way to make it work. We will have to wait and see.

In the here and now, Galaxie Coffee offers the finest of office coffee solutions. We carry state-of-the-art equipment that complements our extensive inventory of coffees, teas, fruit juices, bottled water, and snacks. We would be honored to serve your office – even without a drone to make deliveries.