Australia Post has announced it will trail drone delivery for small parcels – so keep your eyes to the sky.
The country’s national mail delivery organisation has announced it is teaming up with Melbourne-based ARI Labs to conduct a closed-field trial using remotely-piloted aircraft (RPAs), which they believe can potentially deliver small parcels safely and securely to customers’ homes.
“This trial is another example of how we’re looking to the future with emerging technologies.”
Australia Post Managing Director Ahmed Fahour said they will put the technology through its paces over coming months to understand what it can deliver, how far it can travel, and most importantly, how their customers can actually receive their parcels.
“Today’s online shopper expects to receive their purchase whenever and wherever they want. RPAs may be another way to help make our customers’ lives easier and builds on our existing 24/7 Parcel Lockers and MyPost service,” he said.
“RPA technology will continue to evolve over the coming years and while we’re not sure what role it will play in our future, we do think there are opportunities for time-critical deliveries or where there are significant distances between the road and front door.”
Fahour said Australia Post is working closely with ARI Labs, which developed the drone delivery technology, to demonstrate its reliability and applications. A customer trial is expected to follow later this year.
“Australia Post has been adapting to changing customer needs and new technological advancements for over 200 years. This trial is another exciting example of how we’re looking to the future with emerging technologies to make life easier for our customers,” he said.
“At the heart of our approach to innovation is our passion to help Australian businesses take advantage of the eCommerce boom, while delivering choice and convenience for consumers.”
