How Do Drone Deliveries Work?

What Does the Drone Delivery Process Look Like?
Drone deliveries are more complicated than they seem because they involve constant drone checking procedures, in-flight monitoring, and efficiency considerations for the battery and the route.
1) Placing an order
If it is available for the type of goods and destination, the customer selects drone delivery when they place an order.
2) Preparing the drone delivery
The items are selected and packaged at a distribution centre before being loaded at the cargo department, where the weight and size of the shipment are checked.
3) Planning and pre-flight checking
In the preparation stage, the drone’s battery status and payload integrity is checked and the predicted weather conditions are factored into the GPS route to calculate the most efficient and safe path.
4) The delivery drone begins its flight
The drone is launched from the distribution centre or a separate launch site and it navigates autonomously along the pre-determined delivery route using GPS location, inbuilt sensors, and AI.
5) Monitoring the drone
The drone is monitored at an operations centre which can assess any unexpected situations and the customer can track their delivery via an app or a website.
6) Drone landing or hover delivery
When the delivery drone arrives at its destination it will complete a final check to make sure it has the correct location before either landing at a predesignated area like a landing pad or it descends to a safe height before releasing the package using a winch system.
7) Delivery confirmation and return
A confirmation of the delivery is sent to the customer via an app or email and the drone returns to its base via a predesignated route that aligns with its battery life, or it moves on to the next destination if it is completing multiple deliveries in one flight.
8) The post-drone-delivery process
Once the drone has returned it will need to undergo post-flight checks including maintenance and battery recharging before it is ready to complete another delivery. Details of the delivery, like obstacles and battery usage, may also be recorded or uploaded to help the algorithm improve future deliveries.
Case Study: Manna Drone Delivery Service in Dublin
Manna, a drone delivery startup, revolutionised deliveries in Dublin, Ireland, by deploying drones that delivered goods directly to customers’ homes in less than 3 minutes. This pilot project, focusing on delivering food, prescriptions, and essential items, partnered with local businesses to offer a fast, eco-friendly alternative to traditional delivery methods. Equipped with advanced navigation systems, these drones ensured precise and safe deliveries under various weather conditions.
The service significantly enhanced delivery times, offering unprecedented convenience and efficiency. It also provided an environmentally friendly solution, demonstrating a considerable reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional vehicle deliveries. Manna’s success in Dublin showcased the potential of drone deliveries to improve operational efficiency for businesses while reducing environmental impacts.
This pilot represents a step forward in the adoption of drone technology, suggesting a promising future for sustainable delivery solutions worldwide. The SME already has collaborations in place with the likes of Tesco, Coca-Cola, Samsung, and Ben & Jerries.