Delivery Drones in Massachusetts Reduce Traffic

Image by Unsplash

Delivery drones in Massachusetts are being tested as an innovative alternative to reduce traffic congestion. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has taken a step into the future by partnering with a company to explore how drones can ease traffic by transporting packages through the air.

A Pilot Project with Promising Results

MassDOT collaborated with Arrive AI, an Indiana-based company led by Dan O'Toole, in a study conducted between August and October 2024. During that period, successful deliveries of medical supplies using delivery drones were made in Lynn, Massachusetts. According to O'Toole, for every 1% of deliveries made through a designated arrival point, 3,000 trucks could be removed from U.S. roads, which would have a significant impact on traffic reduction.

The objective of these tests was to evaluate the potential of drones to support home healthcare and emergency response in the future.

How Do Delivery Drones Work in Massachusetts?

Arrive AI acts as a coordinator, similar to an air traffic controller. They don't manufacture the drones or robots, but they manage their operation. The process is simple: a drone or robot takes the package to the recipient's door and places it in a high-tech box or access point. Once inside, the box locks and sends a notification to both the sender and recipient. O'Toole hopes this system will help reduce the 1.7 million packages stolen daily in the US by offering greater security.

Currently, delivery drones in Massachusetts focus on packages up to 10 pounds, which covers the 91% of typical deliveries, which typically weigh five pounds or less. The boxes would operate through a subscription service, although O'Toole says that with wider adoption, they could eventually be free.

Innovation in Urban Mobility

Boston has already implemented solutions like bike lanes and scooter deliveries, but delivery drones in Massachusetts represent a bolder step forward. O'Toole notes that the technology is ready; what remains is to establish regulations, flight paths, and public acceptance. Meanwhile, MassDOT also uses drones to inspect infrastructure and respond to incidents, demonstrating their versatility.

Keep reading More Latin to keep you informed about how technology is changing our lives.

Fountain: CBS News