DPDgroup has launched a dedicated terminal for parcel deliveries via drones at the Centre of Studies and Tests for Autonomous Models (CEEMA) in the Var départment in south-eastern France as part of its flight and delivery safety studies, following successful tests last year.
Developed together with its project partner Atechsys, the innovative terminal features a structure protecting access to the drone during landing and take-off phases, an automated carriage system for transporting the parcel and an electronic system for the safety of handling operations around the drone. This way, it ensures the safety of all delivery phases including parcel loading, drone take-off, landing and parcel release.
“The development of the delivery terminal marks yet another milestone in the project for parcel deliveries by drone. It provides a solution to the standing concern of ensuring the safety of using and maintaining the drones as well the parcel loading/unloading operations by an operator,” DPDgroup said.
The drone developed by DPDGroup, GeoPost’s parcel delivery network, has a payload of up to 4 kg with the autonomy of up to 20 km and the average speed of 30 km/h. It features a ground based system with full automation and transmission range up to 50 km, six electrical rotors and a carbon fiber frame, an embedded GPS system as well as a flight camera with data reporting.
Drone deliveries provide a way of overcoming major obstacles in traditional logistics networks including infrastructural deficiencies such as the inadequacy of road networks, island and mountain areas and difficult weather conditions when e.g. areas are flooded or blocked by snow. In addition, the technology ensures the safety of people and operators while protecting and securing the parcel and equipment.
La Poste’s subsidiary GeoPost started testing the conditions for delivering parcels by drones in June 2014. In September 2014, the pilot project ‘GeoDrone’ was conducted with the drone manufacturer Atechsys at the CEEMA site in south-eastern France. During the test, the drone successfully travelled 1,200 metres to deliver a 3kg parcel in real-life conditions. The sequence included takeoff, flight phase, landing and return to the starting point.
In February this year, tests in severe, cold conditions demonstrated the robustness and reliability of the technology chosen, DPDgroup confirmed.
Specialised in autonomous systems since 2009, Atechsys was born from the idea that each use requires a particular drone, tailored to the needs of the respective client. In five years, the innovative firm established itself as a benchmark for the design of drones. Atechsys, with nine staff and revenues of €650,000 in 2013, has become one of the leaders on the market of publicly used professional drones.
The CEEMA is the first centre for drone tests in Europe. Founded in 2008, this aviation platform features dedicated air space for drones weighing up to 150 kg.
