In the US state of Indiana, the world's first “smart mailbox” was tested for traditional mail delivery with robotic drones.
To develop this solution is Dronedek, a startup that launched the experimentation plan in the city of Lawrence, arousing curiosity (and some critical observations) from citizens and local media.
“Dronedek is the next generation letterbox,” he said Dan O'Toole, founder and CEO of Dronedek, while showing the service at a commercial building in the American town.
How does the Dronedek mailbox work?
The delivery system uses special sensors inside the mailbox. The devices "scan" the packages and evaluate their weight, size, destination and proximity to other Dronedeks.
An artificial intelligence then evaluates which of these packages meet all the parameters and conditions to proceed with an ultra-fast shipment by drone. If all goes well, Dronedek sends an encrypted signal to the mailbox closest to the final delivery. In the meantime, the user receives the notification of acceptance and from that moment on he can follow the (very fast) shipment in real time on his smartphone.
A small door at the top of the mailbox opens and the drone comes out and leaves to deliver the package or parcel.
I'll first show you how it works: take a look at the video below.
What are the possibilities of this approach?
Dronedek 's approach could allow the postal delivery system to cut a portion (O'Toole believes it potentially significant) of the cost of "last mile" deliveries. Shipping that could be much quicker using drones and do not use road transport, so to speak.
These are just the first steps for Dronedek (the test service has started in just four mailboxes), but they look promising.
I'll keep you up-to-date.
