Successful Trial Integration of DHL Parcelcopter into Logistics Chain

  • Copter-based ‘last mile’ deliveries integrated for first time using fully
  • automated loading and offloading at specially developed Packstations
  • Autonomous cross-country flights implemented under challenging alpine conditions

DHL Parcel has successfully concluded a three-month test of its third Parcelcopter generation. The trial run, part of a larger research and innovation project, was conducted between January and March 2016 in the Bavarian community of Reit im Winkl. It represents the first time worldwide that a parcel service provider has directly integrated a parcelcopter logistically into its delivery chain. Private customers in Reit im Winkl and up on the Winklmoosalm plateau were invited to test out the specially developed Packstations, dubbed the Parcelcopter Skyport. During the three month trial period, they could simply insert their shipments into the Skyport to initiate automated shipment and delivery per Parcelcopter. A total of 130 autonomous loading and offloading cycles were ultimately performed.

Automated loading & integration into logistic value chain.

Read more at dhl.com

See Also