Deutsche Post DHL taking part in drone tests

Deutsche Post DHL Group is taking part in a joint research project which, amongst other things, will look at using drones for parcel deliveries. The other partners in the project include DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung, Deutsche Telekom and RWTH Aachen University.

In addition to assessing the drones’ suitability for delivering parcels in urban areas, the project will examine if Deutsche Telekom’s mobile network can be used to connect unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to the mobile internet.

The parcel tests will be conducted using the DHL Parcelcopter.

“We are more than convinced that the Parcelcopter has allowed us to create real added value in the field of logistics and offer people a new kind of access to the flexible and, most importantly, rapid dispatch and delivery of goods,” said Jürgen Gerdes, Management Board Member for Post – eCommerce – Parcel at Deutsche Post DHL Group.

According to a statement issued by Deutsche Post DHL: “As part of the research project, which is scheduled to begin in 2017, three different uses of UAS will be examined: fire-fighting, agriculture and logistics. For example, researchers will investigate if drones can be sent to fires at the same time as other fire-fighting vehicles to provide aerial photos even before fire-fighters arrive on location. The established working relationship in research with the team from the RWTH Aachen University (Faculty and Institute of Flight System Dynamics) will continue.”