Register for free and continue reading
Join our growing army of changemakers and get unlimited access to our premium content
With the coronavirus pandemic forcing many of us to stay at home, here are 7 varied innovations aiming to improve home delivery services.
The importance of home delivery has become more evident than ever in recent months, as vulnerable and elderly people send out for vital supplies, and items we are used to buying in person are being distributed online.
Springwise had been tracking innovative home-delivery solutions for several months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and have compiled the best of our spottings here.
1. SMART TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM PROTECTS HOME DELIVERIES
This security system could provide a smart solution to domestic parcel delivery thefts. eDOR describes itself as a smart door delivery and security system. The system works in three parts: eDOR, eBOX, and eTETHR.
eDOR has the appearance of a regular door. The simple design offers 24/7 automated delivery pickups via its smart security system. Its two-way camera and keyless entry system allow delivery workers to deposit packages without a homeowner present.
The second product, eBOX, takes the system one step further, with expanding modules that allow for larger parcels to be deposited safely and locked away from potential thefts. Finally, eTETHR is a digital version of the first two products, ideal for use on temporary or smaller domiciles. Sensors and alarms detect packages and monitor their position until the homeowner returns.
2. PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPS VERTICAL TAKEOFF AND LANDING DELIVERY DRONES
Last year, American logistics leader UPS took the first step towards package delivery by drones when its Flight Forward program was granted certification for unlimited flight by the Federal Aviation Administration. Now, UPS has joined forces with German drone maker Wingcopter to develop a fleet of vertical takeoff and landing delivery drones. The partnership could set a precedent for regular delivery by drone.
Wingcopter’s electric drones are able to take off and land vertically using a tilt-rotor mechanism. This mechanism also enables the drones to make a seamless transition between multi-copter mode, used for hovering, and a fixed-wing mode for forward-flight. Shifting between the two modes allows the craft to operate with greater stability. The drones can fly autonomously at up to 150 mph (240 km/h), have a range of 75 miles (120 km) and can stay on course in winds up to 44 mph (70 km/h).
3. STORAGE POD TAKES OVER HOME DELIVERIES
The average grocery shopping trip takes 41 minutes. Multiplied by an average of 1.5 trips per week, the average person spends over 53 hours each year grocery shopping. While online grocery shopping has been growing rapidly, it also requires that someone is home to accept the deliveries. Now, retail solutions company Cleveron has developed the CleverPod, a robotics-based parcel terminal designed for home use.
The CleverPod is a personal parcel locker which operates via a mobile app. The Pod is installed in front of an individual house. It can accept delivery of groceries, as well as packages and regular mail, eliminating the need to wait at home for deliveries.
Read more about the Cleverpod.
4. A SMART SCALE AUTOMATES ORDERS FOR COFFEE LOVERS
Seattle coffee startup Bottomless is utilising rechargeable smart scales to keep its drinkers supplied with the freshest beans. The scale is connected to Bottomless and tracks the weight of coffee as its being used.
As the bag of beans becomes lighter, the scale automatically contacts the users’ roaster and orders more coffee. Users can select from around a dozen Seattle-area roasters, and the coffee is sent directly from roaster to drinker.
5. RUSSIAN COMPANY DEVELOPS SUITCASE-SIZED DELIVERY BOTS
Russia’s Yandex has announced the launch of an autonomous vehicle to be used in the future for unmanned deliveries. The suitcase-sized bot is currently being piloted in Moscow, at Yandex’s main headquarters and auxiliary offices.
The bot, Yandex.Rover, operates autonomously. For the pilot period, however, the company is keeping the bots under remote supervision. The Yandex.Rover can recognise objects, plan its route and stop for obstacles – including pedestrians.
Read more about the Yandex.Rover.
6. ITALIAN APP OFFERS ONLINE, PERSONALISED GROCERY SHOPPING
The Italian shopping app, Supermercato24, aims to simplify grocery shopping by offering personalised, hand-delivered service at the swipe of your phone.
EWhile grocery shopping online is not new, Supermercato24 offers a platform designed to address two major challenges. The first is its use of personal shoppers to handle the actual purchases, which is easier for customers than selecting items individually online. Second is its partnering with retail partners, allowing them to take full advantage of online shopping.
Read more about Supermarcato24
7. SMART AND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING BOX CAN HANDLE 1,000 SHIPMENTS
Smart and sustainable packaging company, LivingPackets, has partnered with ePaper technology business, E Ink, to create THE BOX — a connected delivery box made of proprietary material, designed for at least 1,000 shipments. When required, the pieces of THE BOX will be refurbished for an additional 1,000 uses. The paperless label makes addressing shipments quick and easy and allows businesses to accommodate last-minute amendments to delivery locations.
Created by LivingPackets, the proprietary recyclable, reusable material and design of THE BOX include sensors for temperature, weight and humidity, a camera and an alarm system. The company uses blockchain to track shipments, and THE BOX is available for both business and personal use. One design incorporates two sizes of packaging, and no additional materials such as bubble wrap or paper are required to keep products safe.
