Australia Post is one step closer to its goal of being the first delivery company in Australia to deliver small parcels by drone. It is undertaking closed-field trials for the new technology, hoping to bring it just a little bit closer to being a reality.
Aside from your everyday customers, AusPost have targeted a few more specific situations in which drone delivery could really make a difference. In rural areas, for example, properties can often be a number of kilometres down a driveway from the actual road — and a drone could fly the package right down to the front door. Otherwise, they suggest it could be used for delivery of medication or other time-critical packages.
The Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) is the result of a collaboration with local start-up ARI Labs, a company that specialises in automation and drone technology. It’s also part of an effort on Australia Post’s side to explore new innovations and keep up with the tide of technology — the drone delivery in particular is in part a response to the huge rise in online shopping.
“Australia Post has been adapting to changing customer needs and new technological advancements for over 200 years. This trial is another exciting example of how we’re looking to the future with emerging technologies to make life easier for our customers,”said AuPost Managing Director Ahmed Fahour.
“We’re excited to be the first major parcels and logistics company in Australia to test RPA technology for commercial delivery applications. We will put this innovative technology through its paces over the coming weeks and months to understand what it can deliver, how far it can travel, and ultimately, how our customers could receive a parcel.”
A customer trial is planned to follow later this year.
Could remotely piloted aircrafts, or ‘drones’, be the future of parcel deliveries? pic.twitter.com/r20tDaKz8Z
— Australia Post (@auspost) April 15, 2016