As autonomous package delivery moves beyond the nascent stage, will drone delivery take off? Industry and government leaders should focus on a regulatory and industry-level changes to speed worldwide adoption, says Arrive, the Indiana company focused on bringing Mailbox as a Service to the masses.
Security Must Be Addressed Before Autonomous Delivery Can Thrive.
“Safety and security will serve as the bedrock and standard – not just for drone delivery, but for all autonomous delivery services,” says Arrive CEO Dan O’Toole. “We envision a system that is protected, connected and ensures a reliable chain of custody.”
Autonomous delivery uses advanced technologies like robotics, drones and driverless vehicles to transport goods and packages and is expected to revolutionize the logistics and transportation industry. More than 90 percent of the items that consumers order daily weigh five pounds or less, making them ideal candidates for autonomous delivery.
Traditional delivery often involves leaving packages unattended on porches and doorsteps, and about 1.7 million of them are lost or stolen daily in the U.S. Arrive’s smart mailboxes fix that security issues and are designed to accept autonomous delivery.
“Without a smart mailbox for autonomous delivery package theft will only get worse,” O’Toole said. “Consumers ordering food or medicine, for example, would never want their packages left unattended even for a second. They deserve peace of mind throughout the delivery process.”
Things to address to enable autonomous technology to deliver for consumers
Enhanced safety and security: Autonomous vehicles and devices must be safe before being deployed. Arrive’s smart mailboxes help improve safety by providing a secure endpoint designed to accept autonomous delivery.
Regulatory approvals: Autonomous delivery vehicles will need to be approved by regulators before they can be deployed. Arrive is working closely with regulators to ensure its solutions meet safety and security requirements.
Real-time notifications: Customers need to be able to track their deliveries in real time. Arrive’s smart mailboxes provide that service.
Packaging café standards: Autonomous delivery vehicles need to be able to handle a variety of package sizes and weights. Arrive’s smart mailboxes are designed to accommodate a wide range of package sizes.
Climate-assisted storage: Food and medicine often need to be stored in a climate-assisted environment. Arrive’s smart mailboxes are designed to offer climate-assisted space.
Return logistics: Customers often want to return items that they have purchased online. Arrive’s smart mailboxes enable delivery and return service.
Affordability: Autonomous delivery vehicles must be affordable to be widely adopted.
Convenience: Autonomous delivery must be convenient for customers. Arrive’s smart mailboxes securely hold packages until they can be retrieved.
No sound or aesthetics nuisances: Autonomous delivery vehicles should not be a nuisance to the public. Arrive’s smart mailboxes are designed to be quiet and discreet without unsightly lights or signage.
Carbon neutrality: Autonomous delivery should be carbon neutral. Arrive is committed to sustainability and is working to make its solutions carbon neutral.
Learn more at arrive.tech.
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