Hi all
It has been a while since we firstly presented the benefits of drone deliveries. Since then, we have been busy, really busy working on our prototype.
We got important comments from the community that motivated us to keep working on it. And finally we have something to show!
We have been working on this technology since late 2013, after much designing, redesign, proof of concepts and a lot of software development, we have reach a functional prototype which we think is the best solution for logistics problems!
It is a hybrid three propellers small UAS capable of long range and heavy payload operations. We hope you appreciate the incredible amount of hours dedicated to reach a final design and build the final pre-production prototype.
Although it may seem science fiction, we can say that deliveries thought drones are becoming real. It is known that Amazon and Google are working on it and that Matternet and Flirtey are making amazing progress (like this). They took the initiative and now DBX Drones is developing the technology that will contribute to make a parcel delivery system by air possible!
This development is intended for parcel deliveries and related companies, but we also want to open it to the consumers market (especially to the open source community) because it is fully modular (you could easily configure your vehicle) and it has a remarkable performance in terms of endurance and payload. See the definition of the product here and all its options!
Who knows which use you may find for it! Would we see peer-to-peer parcel sending in the future? We put the design and control software effort and you put your imagination!
The consumer option would be fully compatible with the Dronecode foundation initiative. See the survey to get more details.
We are already working on the final production design and need you help to know how interesting is for you, not only as possible owner, but as a citizen that may enjoy the service of drone deliveries!
We have an enormous amount of work still to do, so that we offer the best possible product and find enough funding to launch the production. Anyway, we will show soon some more progress.
We know this is the developer community and your feedback is very valuable. That is why we would appreciate your comments in our progress! Please take our survey!
What do you think? Do you think this technology could make a parcel delivery by drone really possible? Would you take advantage of the great performance of this hybrid vehicle?
We would love to know from you and start a conversation where all of you can participate and contribute to this open source development.
Thank you!
PD: Visit us in dbxdrones.com
Comments
@James Wright Glad you like the modular design!
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, we have the autopilot and a FMS (Linux computer) for comms, computer vision...
SLAM is an option. What do you think about stereo vision? Would it be enough?
Yes @Hugues I couldn't agree more: The technology is ready!
The benefits of package delivery is mainly in terms of the fuel cost reduction, that means that the farther you send the package the more benefit you get from using UAVs.
Not to mention the amazing application of medicines delivery to remotes places: That is where long range drones come!!
You mention 1 meter precision, what is remarkable: Do you think we should develop a precision landing and clearance system based on cameras? Do you think it is needed?
Drone package delivey is now accessible to anyone, it is mainstream, thanks to Pixhawk & firmware v3.2.1. We have done it for fun on a one mile delivery distance, 1 meter precision package drop, using GPS (no IR beacon):
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next