DPD Latvija: trialing more sustainable delivery solutions
DPD Latvija has delivered its first ever gift by drone.
A parcel consisting of tablets was “shipped” in December 2020. The drone’s Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight was conducted entirely on the mobile network, and the flying drone used a remote ID device prototype made by LMT as well as UgCS drone mission and route planning software by SPH Engineering.
LMT’s remote ID device prototype is a drone-mounted device that enhances the drone with remote flight capabilities. The device’s SIM card provides two functionalities – remote identification and location tracking of the UAV according to the GPS signal. Combined, they offer additional security and transparency, making BVLOS flights possible.
Ingmārs Pūķis, the Vice President of LMT, comments: “Using a UAV to deliver parcels is a great example of how technologies serve people. In cooperation with international partners, LMT is actively working towards promoting safer drone flights BVLOS on mobile networks.”
“Drone delivery is turning into a new applicable global trend. Within the last few months, we have observed how delivery and mobile market players, both global and local, are joining efforts to introduce delivery solutions with UAVs. We are proud to contribute to the LMT and DPD initiative with UgCS technology and support drone deliveries across Latvia,” Alexey Dobrovolskiy, CTO of SPH Engineering.
The drones’ delivery flight took gifts to the residents in various social care centers in Latvia. The seniors received tablets from LMT packed with useful apps to allow the elderly to communicate with their relatives, follow the news, and learn new skills online.
Jānis Grants, the President of the Executive Board of DPD Latvija, also emphasizes the importance of adjusting to technological progress. He notes that DPD has always been eager to follow the latest tech tendencies and explore more sustainable delivery solutions. Next to electric vehicles already in use, delivering packages with drones is another sustainable solution, also speeding up the delivery time.
