DroneUp, America's leading autonomous drone delivery company, unveiled groundbreaking technology to revolutionize last-mile logistics. DroneUp introduces its proprietary autonomous Ecosystem, integrating cutting-edge ground, air, and software products into a single platform. This marks an unprecedented move towards scalable, and economically feasible drone delivery for retailers, quick service restaurants, healthcare and other businesses. 

Introducing the DroneUp Ecosystem:
The DroneUp Ecosystem combines automated ground infrastructure, a suite of software operating systems, and an autonomous drone platform in a revolutionary new way. The Ecosystem includes:

  • DBX - DroneUp’s industry-defining ground infrastructure, DBX, enables autonomous pickup of packages from retailers, QSR, and other origination points. DBX provides climate-controlled package management and storage with a footprint smaller than a parking space.

    DBX will also be deployed as a delivery destination in urban areas, unlocking drone delivery in hard-to-deliver areas like apartments and multi-dwelling communities. As a secure locker, DBX addresses the widespread issue of “porch piracy,” keeping packages safe and secure. 

    Additionally, DBX provides consumers a seamless way to return their orders in minutes, enabling convenient reverse logistics. 

  • End-to-End Autonomy - DroneUp's suite of software systems drastically reduces human touchpoints, making affordable delivery at scale possible. Its autonomous flight planning and control application pioneers 'one to many' control, allowing a single operator to monitor many drones instead of flying just one. Software autonomy has also enabled the next-generation drones to land automatically on top of the DBX for package pickup and delivery with precision that enhances both speed and safety. The system includes digitized maps and advanced flight coordination features, such as 'detect-and-avoid' technology. This technology safely separates DroneUp drones from traditional aircraft, expanding DroneUp's reach by enabling flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and providing unrivaled levels of safety assurance. 

  • Next-Generation Drone Platform - The new drone platform compliments the DBX with internal package storage for rain, snow, and sun protection. Speeds of 60 mph and a 30-mile range extend the DroneUp Ecosystem’s service coverage to 15 miles around our integrated vendors and support a higher volume of orders than ever before, all while emitting one of the lowest noise profiles in the industry. Industry-leading size and weight-carrying capacity will drive higher package value and revenue for retailers. The drone platform will support onboard charging, alleviating the need to swap battery packs positioning the DroneUp Ecosystem for unrivaled uptime with opportunity charging. Onboard vertical clearance sensing reduces operator workload by automatically determining the drone’s height above obstacles. The drone platform also solves one of the most critical handoffs in the DroneUp Ecosystem - autonomous package pickup and dropoff - with a new claw-like package grasper that can perform aerial drops or winch up to 120 ft. 

    "Throughout the last few years, our work with leading retailers and quick-service restaurants has provided us with valuable insights into the speed and convenience that end customers desire from drone delivery," stated Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp. “With unparalleled technology, our Ecosystem is designed to exceed those expectations, enabling us to perform millions of deliveries daily. We are setting a new standard in logistics, making our services scalable, affordable, and more accessible."

Experience the Innovation
DroneUp has begun rolling out the Ecosystem in both Virginia Beach and Dallas, TX and will be expanding to additional select markets in late 2024. 

Source: DroneUp