David A. Kolman, editor, Fleet Maintenance

Kolman’s Komments: Robotic unicycle delivery

Feb. 1, 2016
An alternative to drone parcel delivery.

While some are looking at using drones for parcel delivery, an Israeli industrial designer, Kobi Shikar, has come up with the concept of a sensor-packed motorized unicycle as an earthbound alternative: the Transwheel Delivery Drone.

With a package held on its “head” by two robotic arms, the Transwheel delivery robot would steer its way to its destination. There, its Internet-connected camera, tapping into social media sites, would identify the recipient.

It's a compromise between the need for speedy delivery and the dangers of flying drones encroaching on commercial airspace, believes Shikar.

A series of onboard cameras would help the Transwheel Delivery Drone avoid obstacles and negotiate traffic.

The robotic autonomous wheel is directed by GPS and has photography systems and facial recognition with the purpose of transporting packages.

Using a balancing mechanism similar to the one that keeps a Segway upright, Transwheel drones could be programed, Shikar says, to work as a group to carry large loads. Multiple Transwheels could work together to deliver larger parcels.

A video of the concept Transwheel Delivery Drones in action can be viewed here.

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