Drones delivering packages in US pilot

A pilot programme is underway in Cincinnati, US, to deliver packages to homes using an autonomous UAS package delivery system, Workhorse Group announced on 16 May.

Called HorseFly, the UAS is integrated with the Workhorse line of electric delivery trucks and a drone package delivery app. The system is currently approved to deliver packages within the driver’s line of sight.

Designed to work with existing online e-commerce platforms, HorseFly complies with current FAA safety regulations for drone package delivery. Data from the pilot will provide essential insights into consumer preferences, as well as real-world evidence to support expanded use cases with the FAA. To date, the system has been successfully tested with UPS and an undisclosed large retailer, and aims to provide significant cost savings by eliminating extra miles of driving to deliver packages.

The truck delivery driver loads the package and launches the HorseFly drone. The drone autonomously launches from the roof of the delivery truck, gains altitude and proceeds to the delivery location, monitoring by a centralised Horsefly control centre. The consumer can also monitor the progress of their package delivery through their downloaded app. At the customer-appointed delivery location, the drone autonomously descends and the package is released. The consumer can opt-in to receive a photograph and confirmation of their delivery. The HorseFly drone returns to the delivery truck at a planned stop and autonomously redocks and recharges for its next delivery

Steve Burns, Workhorse CEO, said: ‘We feel this is a game-changing moment to innovate the way packages are delivered for many years to come. By not only reducing the expense of last mile delivery, but also providing the consumer with the ability to opt-in, visualise, and confirm their package delivery on their property, we have re-imagined home delivery.’