Amazon patents beehive-like structure to house delivery drones in cities

New centers would allow Amazon to shift away from traditional large single-story warehouses that temporarily store packages before they are shipped

If Amazon has its way, cities around the US will have vertical drone centers shaped like giant beehives in the middle of downtown districts, allowing the online retailer to coordinate speedy deliveries by unmanned aircrafts.

The company has filed for a patent for "multi-level fulfillment centers" that would accommodate the landing and takeoff of drones in dense urban settings, the latest example of Amazon's futuristic vision of reshaping the way people receive packages.