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Mercedes Benz has invested in the drone delivery startup Matternet, and unveiled a concept van that can automatically load packages onto a Matternet M2 drone resting on top. Why not just drive to a package's destination? The system could be used to reach destinations not easily accessible to the driver, or deliver packages or aid during heavy traffic or during disaster recovery. Drones could also fly packages from a distribution center to the van:
Mercedes-Benz Vans and drone tech startup Matternet have created a concept car, or as they're calling it a Vision Van, that could change the way small packages are delivered across short distances.
The Vision Van's rooftop serves as a launch and landing pad for Matternet's new, Matternet M2 drones. The Matternet M2 drones, which are autonomous, can pick up and carry a package of 4.4 pounds across 12 miles of sky on a single battery charge in real world conditions.
They are designed to reload their payload and swap out batteries without human intervention. They work in conjunction with Mercedes Benz Vans' on-board and cloud-based systems so that items within a van are loaded up into the drone, automatically, at the cue of software and with the help of robotic shelving systems within the van.
Matternet has existed since 2011, and originally envisioned delivering 1 kilogram packages up to 20 kilometers on a single charge. As for the vans, I told you so!
(Score: 2) by GreatAuntAnesthesia on Thursday September 08 2016, @04:05PM
I guess at its simplest a "drone friendly container" could be a container with a standard-sized hole cut into the roof, sealed with a hatch. Open the hatch at your destination and mount a cargo-picking robot arm on the roof, and a droneport adjacent to it. The robot reaches down into the container, picks up the goodies and passes them to the drone.
Alternatively, simply build a small, disposable quadcopter into the packaging of every widget. Then you just open up the container and let them all fly home.