Until a few years ago we thought of drones as something meant only for flying cameras. Birthday parties weddings… that’s all. But gradually these tiny machines are now flying in the sky picking up parcels. Interestingly the small scale drone delivery model is rapidly gaining popularity especially in smaller cities campuses and business areas.
In simple terms a small scale model means
a setup where one or two drones pick up small parcels daily and deliver them within a 3 5 km radius.
A simple compact and low budget system.
First of all this system relies on speed.
A scooter or van takes time to turn around.
The drone flies in a straight line without the stress of traffic.
Whether it’s a box of chocolates a charger or a small document the drone simply picks it up and delivers it in 10 12 minutes.
In smaller cities it’s even faster because there are fewer buildings.
I once saw a small model myself.
Just a table a landing pad and an operator.
The drone lifted off the parcel was clipped and zoomed straight to the client’s home.
The moment I saw it I thought:
This isn’t the future this is the reality of now.
A small scale drone system has some important points:
- Lightweight Parcels
The drone can’t lift heavy items.
Goods weighing 200 800 grams are best.
The weight of batteries also counts.
- Short Routes
This isn’t a city wide network. Just a 2 5 km detour.
Business campus colony or small town perfect.
- A Simple Control Station
No need for large monitors.
A tablet an operator and a charging dock.
- Battery Management
The drone flies for about half an hour.
So charging or battery swapping is required every 3 4 trips.
- Safety & Permission
Drones must be monitored for altitude limits no fly zones and network signals.
Small scale models are easier because the area is limited.
One interesting thing is that people are a little hesitant to pick up a parcel from a drone for the first time.
The drone descends the air rotates the parcel dangles the entire scene becomes cinematic.
Then gradually habit sets in and people start enjoying it.
If someone runs a small business be it a bakery a medical store or a stationery shop
then drone delivery is a perfect fit.
You have less need for a delivery boy and urgent orders are delivered immediately.
The cost isn’t as high as people think.
An average drone costs 25000 40000 rupees.
If 20 30 small deliveries are made daily the money is easily recovered.
Most importantly this model is environmentally friendly.
No petrol no traffic no horns.
Just clean air and a small drone quietly does its job.
In the future this small model will become the basis for a larger scale.
Just as the internet started from small cyber cafes drone delivery will grow from small stations.
To put it more frankly
a drone flying to deliver a parcel
Watching this still feels like a movie.
But it’s slowly becoming a daily thing.
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