by Ric | Jun 27, 2018 | Air, News Brief |
“Drones push aerial logistics, technology pushes retail.” China is really ramping up food delivery via drone. Super Species (a convenience store part of Yonghui Supermarkets) has teamed up with Ehang Smart Technology (of aerial taxi fame) to deliver up to 500 grams (1.1 lbs) of perishables (such as prawns, salmon, beef, fruit and organic products) to customers within a 4.5 km radius from their store in in Guangzhou, China. By using drones, they have eliminated 40-60% of traffic time and report reducing operational costs by 50%. Since initial launch in May 2018, over 600 deliveries have been safely completed. According to ProduceReport, the process begins when nearby consumers place an order on Yonghui’s smartphone application or WeChat. Automatic determination is made whether delivery will be done by traditional ground transport or by drone. Upon receipt of order, an onsite worker will load the drone and press the “take off” button. The drone then follows a predetermined route to a predetermined spot at least 100 meters away from the final destination. A delivery man completes the final part of the delivery by land. The current quadcopter model being used can fly up to 40 km/h (24.85 mph) and deliver up to 500 grams of goods within a 4.5 km (2.8 mi) radius. The carrying capacity of future models is expected to increase to 5 kg (11 lbs) within a 7 km (4.35 mi) radius. More info...
by Ric | Jun 21, 2018 | Air, News Brief |
Meal delivery drones will operate in an industrial zone in Shanghai, China. Ele.me has been given the green light to operate along 17 newly approved routes over a 58 square kilometer industrial zone in Shanghai. Consumers will be able to receive online takeaway meal orders via drones within 20 minutes (at no extra charge) after confirming the delivery on their smartphones. Personnel at the delivery points will distribute the meals carried by each drone directly to the specified addresses of customers. This is expected to significantly lower operating costs compared with normal delivery methods given that delivery personnel will only need to run 15% of the routes. The E7 drone model likely to be used can carry up to 6 kg and fly as far as 20 km at a maximum speed of 65 km per hour. Approximately 100 different restaurants operating inside the Jinshan Industrial Park are participating. More info...
