Volocopter and logistics group DB Schenker this week completed the first phase of trials to establish the basis on which its autonomous VoloDrone eVTOL aircraft could be used for cargo operations. The German companies conducted what they called a joint static proof-of-concept (POC) exercise at the Messe Stuttgart convention center to assess how the VoloDrone will integrate with ground operations in logistics facilities.
Following the trial operations, the partners now plan to establish a blueprint for electric cargo drone operations with the support of the Fraunhoffer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML). The document will be based on lessons learned from the POC exercise, including how logistics groups can manage personnel, payloads, automated ground vehicles, and eVTOL aircraft. It will be made available to project partners under a non-disclosure agreement.
