An open-source, contactless package delivery system

An IoT company is using open-source technology and crowdsourced development to create a safe parcel delivery system

Spotted: Poland-based Techbase Group specialises in technologies that deal with automation and the Internet of Things. The company also promotes open technologies based on the Raspberry Pi and ESP32. The company has now launched a project to build a wireless-enabled, open-source smart delivery box. The project, dubbed #CoronaIoT, will use an open-source design to develop a contactless package delivery system.

The #CoronaIoT project will use embedded Raspberry Pi and ESP32 technologies to create a smart parcel ecosystem which will allow contactless sending and receipt of deliveries and parcels. A key part of the system is that it will be manageable using open-source hardware such as the Raspberry Pi and ESP32 technologies, as well as open-source software. The system will operate remotely, using the standard 3G/LTE network.

The #CoronaIOT project is being developed through crowdsourcing, and the wireless-enabled smart delivery boxes will come in a variety of sizes and can be used by a wide range of users and delivery companies. The system will notify users when a new parcel is delivered, and may also allow users to specify an amount of time between package delivery and collection, to prevent contact.

According to Techbase, the project aims to improve your ability to stay safe: “a ready-to-use solution will emerge to improve the quality of life and health safety.” They also plan to continue developing concepts to aid in social distancing, explaining that, “the program will periodically present new IoT projects, involving manufacturers, software and hardware developers, new technology influencers and media.”

At Springwise, we have seen crowdsourcing and open-source technology used to find rapid solutions to the many problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these have included using crowdsourcing to develop virus treatment options and an open-source disinfectant module for parcel lockers.

Explore more: Computing & Tech Innovations | COVID-19 Innovations