What it does
An autonomous drone delivery station designed for apartments, offering secure, solar-powered, and automated parcel handling to address urban last-mile delivery challenges.
Your inspiration
Our team was inspired by the inefficiencies in last-mile urban deliveries, especially in high-rise apartments, where traffic congestion, package theft, and environmental concerns persist. Seeing the potential of autonomous drones but the lack of secure infrastructure for them, we aimed to create a smart solution that integrates sustainability, automation, and security for everyday users.
How it works
The system receives packages from drones on a solar-powered auto-levelling landing pad. A linear actuator pushes the package onto a conveyor belt, which transports it into an RFID-secured locker. The entire station is powered by a 5 W solar panel and stores excess energy in a 12 V battery, ensuring off-grid operation. Sensors manage package detection and transfer, while a companion app provides real-time delivery updates and locker access. The compact design includes weather protection, ensuring operation in urban apartment settings year-round.
Design process
We began by surveying apartment residents to identify pain points in drone delivery. Multiple design concepts were drafted, evaluated using selection matrices, and combined into one optimised prototype. Iterations included CAD modelling, ANSYS simulations, gear and power analysis, and multiple refinements. We 3D-printed components, integrated electronic systems (Arduino, RFID), and developed a solar-powered power supply. Testing validated the secure, energy-efficient design, while feedback led to improved reliability, size, and ease of maintenance. The project culminated in a fully functional prototype and app, ready for real-world deployment.
How it is different
Unlike other systems, ours targets apartment residents with a compact, modular design tailored for small balconies and rooftops. It integrates solar power for off-grid use, an auto-levelling landing pad, RFID security, and a package transfer system, all coordinated through sensors and a mobile app. Competing solutions lack this balance of size, sustainability, affordability, and automation. Ours is built specifically for Southeast Asian climates and urban lifestyles, with validated user feedback and locally adaptable manufacturing.
Future plans
Next, we plan to refine the design for mass production and improve weatherproofing for year-round outdoor use. We aim to partner with local logistics and technology firms to pilot the system in Malaysian apartments. Further development includes enhancing the app, scaling for multi-package storage, and applying for a local patent.
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