Autonomous drone leaders improve efficiency and capacity through advanced automation
DroneUp, one of America’s first autonomous drone delivery companies, announced a new industry benchmark by completing 500 deliveries in a single day. This milestone also includes a significant advance in the pilot/drone ratio that increases operational efficiency.
Scaling drone delivery for commercial viability
The DroneUp research and development facility at Richard Bland College (RBC) has played a vital role in this success. The facility has been conducting extensive capability testing with a focus on automating the delivery process using the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) exception. Results include:
- Increased deliveries per hour: DroneUp sets a new record with 40 deliveries per hour, each carrying up to 10 pounds.
- Improved pilot/drone ratio: Automation testing achieves a ratio of one to many operators and drones, reducing delivery costs for partners.
- Innovative software: Uncrew’s patented platform enables global mission management using real-time geodata for accurate airspace, terrain and traffic information. Operators can securely supervise up to 20 missions simultaneously through HubOps Mission Requests.
Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp, expressed his excitement at the progress, stating: “We are thrilled with this achievement, but this is just the beginning of what is possible. We continue to strive to increase ridership while ensuring the reliability and safety of our system.”
Future testing: Increasing capacity and delivery rates
DroneUp aims to further increase delivery capacity and efficiency. John Vernon, CTO of DroneUp, highlighted the next steps: “For DroneUp’s business partners, the ultimate goal is to increase the number of deliveries that can be completed safely, while diversifying the types of items and packages that drones can effectively manage.” Future tests at RBC will explore drones that carry more than the current 10-pound limit, with a goal for larger package sizes and multi-drone operations.
Positive feedback from customers
A recent survey conducted by DroneUp in Q4 2023 showed high customer satisfaction with drone deliveries. Over 90% of respondents reported a positive experience, noting safe, timely and flawless deliveries. Additionally, 36% of customers found additional items to purchase, indicating that drone delivery is driving sales for retailers.
Building the first autonomous ecosystem
DroneUp continues to lead the industry by developing a scalable and economically feasible drone delivery ecosystem. The system integrates automated ground infrastructure, software operating systems and autonomous drones. As the FAA begins to open airspace to simultaneous drone deliveries, DroneUp is ready to meet these new opportunities.
Walker emphasized, “At the same time that the FAA is beginning to open airspace to simultaneous drone deliveries, our ecosystem has passed its own rigorous tests and is ready to meet the challenge. Its proven design enables retailers to make drone delivery cost-effective while providing an intuitive approach that brings unprecedented convenience to end users.”
About DroneUp
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, DroneUp is transforming the logistics industry with fast, efficient and scalable solutions. The company’s technology integrates with ground infrastructure to provide affordable last-mile delivery services across the United States. Dedicated to excellence and innovation, DroneUp is bringing the future of delivery to customers today. For more information, visit the DroneUp Ecosystem.
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