Highlights
CITY OF ARLINGTON TO RESEARCH USE OF DRONES , ROBOTS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
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How can food banks get canned goods , pasta , and other critical pantry staples to disadvantaged communities or individuals with mobility challenges without relying on delivery vehicles that idle at the curb during each drop off ? With the help of a $ 780,182 U . S . Department of Energy grant , the City of Arlington will conduct an innovative pilot program to test the efficiency and scalability of using autonomous , electric delivery vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while serving residents in need .
Arlington is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank , the University of Texas at Arlington ( UTA ), the North Central Texas Council of Governments ( NCTCOG ), Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition ( hosted at the NCTCOG ), Airspace Link , Aerialoop , and Clevon to implement the Multimodal Delivery Project through 2025 . The goal of this two-year study is to test and evaluate the use of no-emission or low-emission drones and four-wheeled robots that are smaller than cars to deliver essential food items to individuals who are mobility challenged , historically disadvantaged , or lack a reliable means of transportation .
“ As transportation technology advances , so does the potential to make positive changes in the way we connect people with goods and services . Using electric drones and ground delivery robots to provide ‘ last-mile ’ delivery services can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional delivery vehicles ,” said Alicia Winkelblech , the City of Arlington ’ s transportation director . “ As a national leader in innovative transportation solutions , we are honored to partner with these autonomous delivery vehicle industry experts and other community leaders to research and share whether this technology is a viable way to serve the public while reducing greenhouse gases .”
An estimated 300 boxes of food will be delivered to Tarrant Area Food Bank clients living in East Arlington during the study . These deliveries will be made by Aerialoop ’ s ALT6-4 VTOL Delivery Drone , a 6-foot-long battery powered drone that can carry nearly nine pounds , and Clevon ’ s autonomous delivery robot , CLEVON 1 , equipped with a spacious cargo bay that clients can unlock with a code to access their delivery . Airspace Link ’ s AirHub ® Portal will be used to provide the data and digital infrastructure needed for planning , decision-making , and operations , including detailed ground and air analysis that will help drone operators determine take-off , landing , and delivery routes . Routes will be developed to avoid flying over residential areas and high-traffic roadways , and onboard sensors will use data only for navigation purposes .
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