Global logistics company United Parcel Service (UPS) this week tested a drone in the United States that launches from the top of a UPS package van to autonomously deliver small packages.
According to a statement by UPS, this is a move that could have implications for the last mile delivery to locations off the beaten track.
During testing in Florida this week, the drone returned to the vehicle while the delivery driver continued along his set route to make a separate delivery.
“This test is different from anything we’ve done with drones so far. It has implications for future deliveries, especially in rural locations where our package cars often have to travel miles to make a single delivery,” said Mark Wallace, UPS senior vice president of global engineering and sustainability. “Imagine a triangular delivery route where the stops are miles apart by road. Sending a drone from a package car to make just one of those deliveries can reduce costly miles driven. This is a big step toward bolstering efficiency in our network and reducing our emissions at the same time.”
