Australia Post has announced it will trial delivery of small parcels by drones.
The organisation announced they are 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, allowing for faster transportation of time critical items like medication.
Australia Post Managing Director Ahmed Fahour said they will put the technology through its paces over the coming weeks and 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 this is just one of many innovations the organisation is exploring, with Australia’s eCommerce and online shopping sector experiencing double-digit growth over the past five years.
“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.”
He said Australia Post is working closely with ARI Labs, which developed the technology, to demonstrate its reliability and applications. A customer trial is expected to follow later this year.
The trial builds on Australia Post’s recently announced $20 million innovation fund which will see direct investment in eCommerce businesses with ideas that will improve the lives of its customers.
One of the Australia Post/ARI Labs drones. Photo: Australia Post