Smart mailbox technology company uCella raises $1m in funding

uCella, a startup technology company which is developing a “smart” package and delivery mailbox service, has announced that it has raised $1m in funding. The company says that it provides its customers with a tamper-proof and weather-resistant container which they can install outside their residences.

According to uCella: “The Wi-Fi connected box syncs with users’ email accounts to pull the delivery tracking number. Delivery services then scan the barcode of the product, which contains this tracking code, in order to unlock the box, and then safely store the package for customer collection.

“uCella’s proprietary technology tracks all online purchases and records the real-time location and status of deliveries, which is then communicated to the user through the uCella app notifications. In order to collect their delivery, users unlock the box by scanning the Master QR code, straight from the uCella app.

“The app also gives users access to retailer return policies and customer support networks. Users can then schedule return pickups – alerting the carrier’s system through their API, giving instructions on how to unlock the box.”

uCella describes the system as a world-first – although it does seem broadly similar to a number of other “smart” post boxes which have already been developed and installed.

In a statement issued on Thursday (14 January), uCella said that it is “working to develop partnerships with delivery companies and online retailers, enabling a range of convenient features for streamlined product delivery and return”.