Jakarta, INTI - The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and the Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI) are doing a collaborative initiative to develop a drone-robot delivery system. The delivery system uses drones that can carry up to 40 kilograms, specialized delivery robots, and docking stations.
KASA and ETRI announced that they had completed approximately 80 drone delivery tests in the past month. The program aims to develop a drone robot based delivery system for everyday use within the next five years.
Unlike similar services in tech hubs like Shenzhen, China, the Korean test stands out for its capacity. The drone used can carry up to 40 kilograms, far exceeding the average weight of commercial drones, which typically carry around 3 kilograms.
Collaborative Effort with the Government
During the tests, the drone delivered various items such as rice, dumbbells, food, and daily necessities to 56 locations on Biyang Island, including homes and restaurants. To clear privacy and safety hurdles, KASA also collaborated with local governments to secure flight approvals and community agreements in the test areas.
Going forward, this trial will be expanded to various regions in South Korea, particularly islands and mountainous areas, before eventually being implemented in urban areas.
“This demonstration showcases our ongoing efforts and achievements in fostering the drone and robot industries,” said KASA Administrator Oh Tae-Seog. He also said that this drone-robot delivery system will accelerate innovative unmanned logistics services technology.
He added, “We will provide unsparing support to ensure that domestic delivery services utilizing drones and robots are fully commercialized within the next five years.”
Conclusion
Drone delivery trials by the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) have shown significant progress. Their drones are capable of carrying up to 40 kg, and they are integrated with autonomous robots for final distribution to customers’ doorsteps. The trials were conducted with collaborative efforts with the government to tackle privacy and safety challenges. KASA Administrator Oh Tae-Seog said that this delivery system can help boost unmanned logistics services in Korea.
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