Multitasking RDSX Drone Can Deliver Several Packages on One Flight
A2Z Drone Delivery Company built a device based on its patented free-fall delivery mechanism. The result is the commercial RDSX delivery drone, whose dual payload (number of packages) and improved package release system let companies boost mission efficiency while addressing consumer concerns about noise or privacy.
Faster Drone Delivery and Greater Customer Comfort
RDSX was designed as a tool that allows the manufacturer to manage its RDS1 drone delivery system from the air within a single in-house package. A2Z previously supplied its free-fall mechanism to other delivery partners, including when Coca-Cola delivered its coffee drink to customers in Georgia.
With RDSX, A2Z customers can fly with a dual payload of up to 2 kg each, carrying out round-trip missions up to 18 km. A single-payload configuration will extend the maximum range to 30 km.
The controlled free-fall delivery method allows packages to be dropped quickly but safely from heights of up to 45 m above the specified destination. This saves the time needed to land the device or slowly lower the cargo with a winch. A Kevlar cable and an automatic release mechanism let the system drop the payload, and gravity lets it descend quickly.
The onboard computer and sensor platform detect when packages are near the ground, slowing them to a controlled, smooth stop before lowering them the remaining distance to the delivery point. The boxes used to protect goods release their contents to the ground for customers to pick up, then quickly return to the RDSX for reuse.
Gravity Replaces Landing for Faster Delivery
Beyond making the final delivery stage faster and cheaper, keeping drones at high altitude also addresses customer concerns. Many potential drone buyers worry about the noise or other effects of rotors during landing, and are concerned that descending devices could undermine their privacy.
According to the developers, RDSX provides solutions for companies delivering packages and for people receiving them.
“Drone delivery pilot programs to residential homes are launching right now across the United States, and much of the industry is eagerly awaiting large-scale regulatory approval that will lead to rapid expansion of drone use in residential areas. Although the raw technical capabilities for these deliveries already exist, the key criterion for obtaining regulatory approval will be meeting consumer requirements for using UAVs in everyday life. Our free-fall delivery system, integrated with RDSX, offers a way to ease some of these consumer concerns”
In addition to domestic delivery functions, RDSX is also being tested for ship-to-shore supply missions, rapid response operations, and the deployment and retrieval of ground sensors for research. The drone is equipped with a pair of cameras, allowing flights beyond visual line of sight when needed.
The device is also equipped with a downward-facing LiDAR sensor system that continuously streams data to the onboard firmware controlling payload descent. Its quickly swappable batteries are designed to reduce downtime between missions.
According to Zhang, working hand in hand with a logistics service provider gave the company's engineers invaluable insight into how customers will interact with the drone platform, allowing them to design RDSX from the ground up around the unique requirements of commercial UAV deliveries.
Built on an extremely reliable flight platform with hundreds of thousands of flight hours, RDSX integrates the free-fall mechanism to minimize time spent at the station, reduce downtime, and prioritize the safety of the drone, its payload, and the customers receiving packages.
Additional Options and Applications
Among the drone's additional options is a docking station for continuous battery charging, where 32 batteries can be charged continuously for 24 hours. RDSX and the people and property around it can be protected in rare emergencies with an onboard parachute system.
With extended radio control, the drone can be operated manually at distances of up to 20 km. The factory DSX flight controller is replaced with a Pixhawk Cube for greater flexibility, since it is open source.
Drone applications:
- Logistics — home delivery, groceries, medicines.
- Mining — transport between sites, tools, samples.
- Shore transport — urgent supplies, port documents, spare parts.
- Inspection — sensor payloads, radioactivity, sonar.
- Search and rescue — emergency supplies, first aid kits, fire blankets.
