IoT Techniques and Elements for Drone Package Delivery Networks
5.5 CARGO DELIVERY FLOW
Figure 5-2 is a flowchart showing a typical cargo delivery mission using drone mailboxes on both ends ( alternative scenarios are possible ). It begins with the creation of an e-commerce order for goods to be delivered , where “ drone delivery ” is the selected option . The order is transmitted to the drone network , and a negotiation takes place to finalize the physical locations , users , cargo specifics and times involved . Assuming the drone network can fulfill the request , a dispatch order is created . A drone with adequate cargo lift capacity , speed , flight envelope and energy reserve is selected , and flies autonomously to the sending location , where it typically precision lands on a smart postal box or warehouse system .
The package is moved from the locker or warehouse stock by robotic subsystems and secured to the drone ’ s cargo retention system . The drone makes several pre-flight tests , including flight computer self-test , battery reserve test , and electronic negotiation with aviation authorities to file and approve a digital flight plan .
Once takeoff permission is received , the drone takes off to the prescribed altitude ( typically around 100 m / 300 ’ above ground ) and autonomously navigates through a series of waypoints ( potentially avoiding obstacles or restricted areas as it goes ) until it is hovering over its destination . It then uses its position , altitude and image sensors to perform a precision landing at the recipient ’ s landing facility ( or alternately does a winch or touch-and-go delivery ). At this point , the drone can be secured , sheltered and recharged for an extended stay within the drone mailbox ’ s weather covers , or it can just drop off the cargo and request clearance to leave immediately .
Robotic equipment can move the cargo from the landing pad to a secure package locker , and the recipient is notified of its arrival . The recipient goes to the landing location , enters credentials to verify the correct identity , the selected locker opens and the package is retrieved . At that point the delivery is complete , and billing records are created for the goods and the drone service that delivered them . Hundreds of IoT sensors and actuators and a hierarchy of multiple levels of computers enabled this scenario .
Journal of Innovation 45