Zipline

Organization

A company specializing in autonomous drone delivery, which started by delivering medical supplies in Rwanda and is now expanding to retail and food delivery in the US.


First Mentioned

9/30/2025, 4:41:28 AM

Last Updated

9/30/2025, 4:44:14 AM

Research Retrieved

9/30/2025, 4:44:14 AM

Summary

Zipline is a pioneering organization that operates the world's largest drone delivery system, co-founded and led by CEO Keller Rinaudo Cliffton. The company's innovative approach to logistics began in Rwanda, where its autonomous aircraft successfully delivered medical supplies, contributing to a significant 51% reduction in maternal mortality, a fact verified by the University of Pennsylvania. Zipline has since expanded its operations to the United States, establishing an instant delivery service in Dallas through partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Chipotle. Cliffton positions Zipline's tangible achievements as a stark contrast to the unfulfilled promises of competitors such as Amazon and Google, framing the company's mission within the global AI and robotics race with a vision to leverage American technology for worldwide benefit.

Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Vision

    To use American technology to uplift the entire world and win the global AI and robotics race

  • Headquarters

    South San Francisco, California, United States

  • System Scale

    World's largest drone delivery system

  • Primary Service

    Drone Delivery System

  • Service Type (US)

    Instant Delivery

  • Co-founder and CEO

    Keller Rinaudo Cliffton

Timeline
  • Zipline began its pioneering operations in Rwanda, utilizing autonomous aircraft for medical supply delivery. (Source: Related Document)

    Unknown

  • Zipline's operations in Rwanda led to a remarkable 51% reduction in maternal mortality, a statistic verified by the University of Pennsylvania. (Source: Related Document)

    Unknown

  • Zipline expanded its services into the US, launching an instant delivery service in Dallas with partners like Walmart and Chipotle. (Source: Related Document)

    Unknown

  • Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, co-founder and CEO of Zipline, presented the company's work at the All-In Summit's Science Corner. (Source: Related Document)

    Unknown

Zip line

A zip-line, zip line, zip-wire, flying fox, or death slide is a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope. It is designed to enable cargo or a person propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to, or being attached to, the freely moving pulley. It has been described as essentially a Tyrolean traverse that engages gravity to assist its speed of movement. Its use is not confined to adventure sport, recreation, or tourism, although modern-day usage tends to favor those meanings.

Web Search Results
  • Zip line

    A zip-line, zip line, zip-wire, flying fox, or death slide is a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope. It is designed to enable cargo or a person propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to, or being attached to, the freely moving pulley. It has been described as essentially a Tyrolean traverse that engages gravity to assist its speed of movement. Its use is not confined to adventure sport, [...] A canopy tour (sometimes called a zip-line tour) provides a route through a wooded, and often mountainous, landscape, making primary use of zip-lines and aerial bridges between platforms built in trees. Tourists are harnessed to a cable for safety, and many are restricted to adults. Heights vary from near to the ground to near the treetops. Canopy tours are largely marketed under the banner of ecotourism, although the environmental impact of any type of zip-line is a disputed topic. [...] A type of pulley with a grooved wheel known as a sheave is used in zip-lines, and the pulley turns as it travels along, thus reducing friction and enabling greater speed than would otherwise be possible.

  • The Science Behind Zip Lining

    In the 70s, wildlife biologists would set up zip lines as a way to explore the rainforests of Costa Rica without disrupting the environment, however, now, they’re used as an exhilarating activity for thrill seekers. A zip line is a cable suspended between two points, typically across a landscape or as part of an outdoor adventure park. You are securely harnessed to a pulley system that glides along the cable, allowing you to experience the sensation of flying through the air. [...] The zip line is made up of several components: the cable, the pulley system, and the harness. The cable must be strong enough to support up to a maximum weight and can also withstand tension created during the ride. The pulley system creates a smooth movement along the cable, and the harness keeps you securely attached to the pulley. These components all work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. ### Tensioning [...] The design of a zip line must be carefully thought out to ensure it’s safe and enjoyable. Designers take into consideration the topography of the landscape (the physical features of the environment), the length of the slope line, and the weight and speed of the participants. The drop mustn’t be too steep to begin with and must have a sufficient slope with a perfectly placed dip to help slow you down towards the end of the ride. ## Join Gripped for the Best Zip Line Experience

  • Everything You Need to Know About Zip Lining

    Zip lining is an action-filled recreational activity that involves riding a steel cable on a protective seat or a belt between two points and generally on a valley that exhibits spectacular sceneries. Origin of zip lining is highly practical and used in the Himalayas and Alps as a way of transportation and observation in Costa Rica without disturbing the natural environment. Zip lining as a recreational activity is fairly new; it is around since the late 20th century. Today, zip lining is a [...] Different kinds of cable pulleys are utilized to provide the smooth flow of the zipline, where brakes or gradual speed reductions are activated towards the end. The pulley might be adjusted depending on conditions such as the steepness of the slope or the user’s weight. ### Carabiner The zipline is connected through steel carabiners for the clipping of the trolley. It is commonly used in activities with ropework to ensure safety. ### Seat and Chest Harness [...] The world’s longest zipline is located on the Jebel Jais Mountains of United Arab Emirates which is also known to be the highest point of the country. Offering a truly unique experience, there are various tours organized for the sole purpose of ziplining. You should book your flight ticket to Dubai at once in order to have the most thrilling time above a height of 1680 meters! Jebel Jais is within easy reach from Dubai, where you can take the metro or one of the local buses to get there.

  • Zipline 20 m

    The zipline is20m long, 6.2m wide, 3.2m high, with a 1.5m fall height. It is for ages 4+, and has a 1m height difference.

  • Empower Adventures Zip Line Park | Things to Do in Tampa Bay

    Expert guides lead you on a 2-hour zip line adventure through 400 acres of pristine wildlife preserve, soaring over Tampa Bay's sparkling waters and navigating thrilling high ropes courses. Book Now ★★★★★ 5/5 #### Sunset Zip Line Adventure Zip through the treetops with breathtaking views and golden hour magic. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and awe. Ideal for couples, families, and sunset chasers alike. Book Now ★★★★★ 5/5 #### Team Building [...] Empower Adventures is the ideal outdoor activity organizer for corporate team-building events, school groups, and special occasions. Strengthen bonds and build trust with our challenging and rewarding programs. Go Wild. Fly Fast. Over water, through the trees, and beyond your comfort zone. Book Now Lose Yourself In our 400 acre wilderness preserve Book Now Zip. Paddle. Climb. Connect. Expert guided adventures in Tampa Bay Book Now Go Wild. Fly Fast. [...] Built For Kids Ages 7 to 100 Book Now Defy Gravity Launch into a heart-pounding Leap of Faith — no experience needed, just guts. Book Now Tampa Bay’s Top Outdoor Experience 6,000+ 5 Star Google Reviews and counting Book Now The Ultimate Playground Built For Kids Ages 7 to 100 Book Now Defy Gravity Launch into a heart-pounding Leap of Faith — no experience needed, just guts. Book Now Tampa Bay’s Top Outdoor Experience 6,000+ 5 Star Google Reviews and counting Book Now

Location Data

Zipline, 529, Railroad Avenue, South San Francisco, San Mateo County, California, 94080, United States

company

Coordinates: 37.6539274, -122.4194890

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