Kiosk Functionality

Secure Storage of Containers for Pickup

Concept Art Gallery

Receive Packages for 2-Way Transfer Capability

Vehicle Storage, Battery Swap, and Recharge

The IFM kiosks stand as a critical pillar within our comprehensive delivery ecosystem. Urban landscapes often present a scarcity of secure and accessible spots for package deliveries. With an ambition for these kiosks to become as commonplace and integral to cityscapes as phone booths once were, our vision extends beyond mere functionality; we aim for these structures to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. To achieve this, the kiosks are crafted through advanced 3D printing techniques, mirroring the Generative AI methodologies employed in the creation of our vehicles. This approach not only ensures the structural integrity of the kiosks but also significantly reduces material costs and labor, embodying our commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and design excellence.

The core purpose of the IFM kiosk is to seamlessly receive shipments from drone vehicles and securely store them until they are collected by the recipient. To accommodate a substantial volume of packages, each kiosk incorporates an innovative, proprietary infinite carousel conveyor within its structure. This sophisticated system ensures that every package is meticulously tracked from the moment it is dropped off by the drone to when it emerges from the kiosk's delivery chute for pickup. This precision tracking guarantees the system's awareness of each package's location throughout its stay in the kiosk, facilitating a completely hands-free transfer process. To cater to varying package dimensions and optimize delivery efficiency, the kiosk is designed to support two sizes of flight containers. The larger containers accommodate sizeable items, while the smaller, one-third size containers are intended for grouping lesser volumes into a single delivery, thus minimizing the number of trips required. This dual-container capability underscores our commitment to flexibility and efficiency in urban delivery solutions.

To streamline package handling and enhance efficiency, the IFM kiosks are designed not only to dispatch but also to receive packages. The process is simplified through a mobile app that manages destination selection and billing, allowing users to easily open the kiosk's drop box via the app and place their package into the designated container. This flexibility facilitates a variety of transfer options, including movements from kiosks to distribution centers, between distribution centers themselves, and directly from kiosk to kiosk, eliminating the necessity for every transfer to pass through a distribution center. Depending on the scheduling, a delivery vehicle may already be on-site waiting at the kiosk, or one will be dispatched automatically to collect the shipment. Upon the vehicle's arrival, the kiosk's conveyor system expertly rotates to align the container with the vehicle, securely latching it in place for transport. This bidirectional transfer capability effectively doubles the operational capacity of the system, ensuring a seamless and efficient flow of goods. Furthermore, to support the logistics chain, a specialized, mechanics-only variant of this loading mechanism is implemented at fulfillment and distribution centers. Positioned strategically at the end of the production line, this system automates the crucial tasks of loading and unloading, further streamlining the entire distribution process and reinforcing the system's commitment to operational efficiency and reliability.

Leveraging the power capabilities of the IFM kiosks opens up a multitude of operational enhancements, with battery charging being a pivotal feature. When a delivery vehicle docks at the kiosk's upper section—strategically positioned to avoid interference with pedestrians—it is gently lowered into the top compartment. At this juncture, the control system directs the kiosk's next steps based on the specific requirements of the situation. Typically, the process involves detaching the package container onto the conveyor system, extracting the spent battery, and fitting a freshly charged one. However, the procedure adapts for longer journeys; if the vehicle is midway through a multi-leg trip, the battery may be swapped while the package remains secured for onward delivery, promptly preparing the vehicle for its next departure. In instances where the vehicle carries an additional battery, both may be exchanged, or one may be retained, stored within the kiosk for future use. This ensures batteries are efficiently charged and ready when needed. Temperature-controlled carriers, equipped with their own batteries, also benefit from this integrated charging system, ensuring that sensitive shipments maintain their required conditions. Furthermore, the kiosk's design allows for the secure storage of the vehicle within its structure, safeguarding it behind closed outer doors until it is dispatched for the next delivery or instructed by the control system to move to a different location. This multifaceted approach not only enhances the efficiency of the delivery network but also ensures flexibility and readiness to meet varying logistical demands.

Automated Inspection and Maintenance

A specialized variant of the IFM kiosk, designed for inspection and maintenance rather than direct interaction on city streets, plays a crucial role in the upkeep of the delivery fleet. Positioned strategically near the control center or within designated maintenance zones, this type of kiosk serves as a critical node for ensuring the operational integrity and reliability of the vehicles. Similar to its urban counterpart, vehicles are scheduled for periodic visits to the inspection and maintenance kiosk. Upon arrival, they are carefully lowered inside, where an array of cameras and diagnostic probes initiates a thorough inspection process. This procedure is aligned with the system's regular maintenance and inspection protocols, designed to preemptively identify and address potential issues. Initially, any discrepancies or malfunctions detected during these inspections are flagged for review by maintenance personnel. However, with the planned introduction of Revision 2, the kiosk will evolve to autonomously manage the most common forms of wear and failure, such as propeller degradation, motor malfunctions, and electronic speed controller (ESC) issues, utilizing robotic systems integrated within the kiosk itself. This advancement represents a significant leap forward in reducing maintenance overhead, streamlining the process, and minimizing downtime. By automating the diagnosis and repair of routine problems, the system not only lowers maintenance costs but also enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of the delivery network, ensuring that vehicles remain in optimal condition for their critical roles in the delivery ecosystem.

Our kiosks are designed with a dual focus on efficiency and aesthetics, serving as secure repositories for multiple deliveries until recipients are available to collect them. Additionally, these kiosks are equipped to accept outgoing packages, facilitating seamless delivery to any other kiosk within the network. To cater to a diverse range of delivery needs, our delivery capsules are versatile, offering insulation, heating, or cooling capabilities. They are spacious enough to accommodate a single large item or to consolidate multiple smaller parcels into one streamlined shipment. Strategically positioned to meet the demands of urban logistics, our kiosks can be individually placed for specific operational needs or integrated into a shared city-wide system, enhancing accessibility and convenience. Beyond their primary role in logistics, these kiosks play a pivotal role in the maintenance and efficiency of the delivery fleet. Equipped with the technology to charge and automatically swap vehicle batteries, they ensure that drones are always ready for their next mission. Furthermore, the kiosks serve as vehicle nests, allowing for the distributed, rapid deployment of vehicles across the network, thereby optimizing delivery times and service responsiveness. In crafting these kiosks, we've not only prioritized functional excellence but also the enhancement of the urban landscape, embodying our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community integration in the evolving world of delivery services.