Skip to main content

Amazon patent lays out process for targeting drone deliveries


A newly published patent hints at the system that Amazon just might use to guide delivery drones to their destinations, and verify that the drone’s payloads have been dropped off at the right locations.

The system, as described in an application that was filed in 2016 and published as an approved patent today, could involve having the drone recognize landmarks in the designated recipient’s yard or driveway — as well as a printed-out target with a bar code confirming the items to be delivered. more

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Drones in Logistics Beyond Delivery: Enabling Data Driven Inventory Forecasting and Stock Optimisation

  While drone delivery has captured public imagination, its most impactful logistics application lies in data acquisition and analytics. Beyond transporting goods, drones are becoming integral components of smart warehouse ecosystems, driving new levels of visibility, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency. Aerial Data Collection and Digital Inventory Control Modern logistics drones equipped with LiDAR, RFID, and high-resolution imaging systems can autonomously navigate warehouse environments to capture real time data on stock levels, storage locations, and item movements. This data is continuously synchronised with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms to maintain a dynamic “digital twin” of inventory assets. Unlike static inventory audits, drone-based scans can be conducted daily or even hourly, offering near real time accuracy. This reduces human labour requirements, eliminates blind spots in high bay racking, and pro...

Using Drones for Preventive Maintenance in Industrial Facilities

Industrial plants and factories depend on complex machinery, pipelines, and infrastructure running seamlessly to maintain productivity. Unexpected breakdowns can lead to costly downtime, safety hazards, and expensive emergency repairs. That’s why preventive maintenance spotting issues early before they become failures is critical. And drones are transforming how facilities make this happen. Why Preventive Drone Inspections Matter Traditionally, routine inspections require scaffolding, shutdowns, or sending workers into hazardous areas. These methods are time-consuming, costly, and sometimes risky. Drones change the game by providing safe, rapid, and repeatable inspections without disrupting operations. Instead of reacting to failures, facilities can now proactively monitor assets. What Drones Can Detect Early Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and advanced sensors, drones can spot subtle signs of wear and damage before they become major problems, including:...

Oil and Gas industry is embracing underwater drones

  The oil and gas industry has always been at the forefront of adopting cutting edge technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship. One of the most promising advancements in recent years is the integration of underwater drones also known as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) into offshore operations. These high-tech machines are transforming how companies inspect offshore infrastructure, survey pipelines, and conduct underwater maintenance and repairs. The Challenges of Offshore Operations Operating in offshore environments presents unique challenges. Harsh weather conditions, deep and often murky waters, and the sheer scale of underwater infrastructure make inspections and maintenance complex, costly, and sometimes hazardous for human divers. Traditionally, underwater inspections relied on divers or tethered ROVs, which come with limitations such as depth restrictions, limited operational time, safety risks,...