Autonomous cars continue to dominate conversations around Uber Technologies Inc.‘s (NYSE:UBER) future, but CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says another technology may deliver an even more noticeable upgrade for consumers: drones.

“What I am increasingly optimistic about are the potential with drones,” Khosrowshahi said on Uber’s second-quarter earnings call.

Cutting food delivery times from roughly 30 minutes today to as little as 10 to 15 minutes could fundamentally change the customer experience, he argues.

Why Uber Is Looking Up

Uber has spent the past year expanding partnerships across robotaxis and sidewalk delivery robots as well as drone delivery company Flytrex.

“Drone delivery can cut the timing of delivery significantly,” Khosrowshahi said, acknowledging that it will take time before costs become sustainable. Even so, he believes the improvement in speed could make the technology compelling for consumers.

“Already… ordering dinner and getting it delivered to your home in 30 minutes is a magical experience,” he added. “We think in 15 minutes—it’s going to be, you know, 10 to 15 minutes—is going to be an even more magical experience.”

Uber’s Autonomous Strategy Goes Beyond Self-Driving Cars

Uber is already working with partners including Serve Robotics Inc. (NASDAQ:SERV) and Cartken on sidewalk delivery robots. Drones represent the next frontier for faster deliveries.

“While we’re on the sidewalks now as it relates to our delivery business, we’re looking forward to getting in the air with some of the partners out there,” Khosrowshahi said.

The comments also underscore that Uber’s autonomous strategy is broader than self-driving cars.

Much of the company’s recent autonomous vehicle narrative has centered on partnerships with companies including Waymo, Zoox, Wayve and Nuro. But management is increasingly describing autonomy as an ecosystem that spans robotaxis, delivery robots and aerial drones, with Uber serving as the platform connecting those technologies to consumers.

For investors, the takeaway is that Uber’s automation strategy isn’t solely about replacing drivers. The company also sees faster deliveries as a meaningful opportunity to improve the customer experience—and Khosrowshahi believes reducing delivery times to 10 to 15 minutes could be one of the clearest examples of that vision coming to life.

Photo courtesy: Shutterstock