EcoDrone

In this period of social distancing, we must seek ways to continue economic activities while protecting our well-beings. While virtual/remote work is the most ideal method, it is simply not enough since it does not address the physical flow of goods and services. While a significant slow-down in human interaction has helped to slow the rise in the spread of COVID-19, contraction by touching infected surfaces is still possible. The EcoDrone will address this issue while allowing for the flow of physical goods to continue economic growth. The EcoDrone will be an unmanned aerial vehicle that can transport goods and lower the spread of the COVID-19 virus with the use of sanitization techniques upon delivery.  The solution could impact countless lives for business owners who need to continue their livelihoods and customers who need to purchase necessities while remaining safe. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a massive hurdle for world economics. At its current rate, global trade is expected to decrease by 13% to 32% according to a study conducted by the Congressional Research Service as of June 4th. It also states that global economic growth could fall as much as 2% per month if these conditions continue. In addition to the virtual stop in human movement from social distancing, the significant slowing of goods and services has rendered the economy at a stand-still. This highlights a need for a solution that delivers an efficient method for the flow of goods while decreasing the spread of the virus. The EcoDrone will offer an efficient way for businesses to continue with the transportation of goods with as few essential workers as possible. 

The EcoDrone is a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle that offers an efficient way to deliver goods in combination with sanitization techniques to decrease the contraction of the COVID-19 virus on the surfaces of delivered packages and parcels. From its home facility, the package will be placed in suitable packaging for transport. After powering up, the drone retrieves the package from the take-off point. The drone then uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to fly to its target location. The drone’s progress can be monitored and controlled by the software which is done remotely at the home facility.

Once at the target location, the exact drop-off location can be monitored and adjusted by the controller using the drone’s camera. Before releasing the package, the sanitization system will be initiated whereby the drone uses a disinfectant spray released by a mechanical arm to spray the surfaces of the package to deduce the variable conditions of the COVID-19 virus. The package is then released and the drone returns to the home facility. 

The drone will be electric and will utilize renewable energy. It will be charged through charging stations which store power from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at the home facility. 

The target population comprises of providers of products and goods. This could specifically include those who specialise in retail, medical supplies and industrial materials delivery. This solution will be especially important to delivering necessities such as medical supplies to remote areas. From the perspective of the providers, this will offer a way to continue operations which can lend tremendous aid to businesses impacted by the pandemic while increasing resilience. It will also reduce the demand of essential workers since delivery personnel are not required. From the perspective of the recipients, they can receive goods with less risk of contracting the virus from contaminated surfaces. This increases ease since they have less responsibility to completely sanitize the package themselves. Customers will receive their packages much faster given that drone delivery is not affected by traffic, stop signs, pedestrian crossings, etc. which slow down traditional delivery methods.  

The EcoDrone provides a response to the emerging pandemics and health security threats, this response being a method of delivering goods while decreasing the spread of the virus through contaminated surfaces. The EcoDrone supports the continuance of the economy by offering providers a safe and reliable method to transport their products. It is also an ideal method for recipients to receive necessities, especially for remote communities that experience more restriction to obtain what they need since travel is now more limited with social distancing. The EcoDrone addresses the slowing of the virus while simulating economic growth. 

The EcoDrone is unique because it provides a way of safely transporting goods with as little human intervention as possible. This approach not only focuses on the health precautions necessary in trying to control this pandemic, but also addresses the urgent downfall of the global economy. Other drone delivery providers such as Wing, Zipline and Airbus currently have no features that disinfect products before delivery. Recently developed disinfectant drones by companies such as EagleHawk and Digital Aerolus only serve to sanitize large facilities such as stadiums and ballparks. There is an opening in the market for a service that combines efficient delivery of commercial products with sanitization and the EcoDrone will be the one to fill it.

While its competitors also offer electric drones, the electricity comes from traditional power stations that derive that energy from fossil fuels. With the use of solar power, the EcoDrone will stand as an elevated example of clean energy technology which will result in long-term energy savings and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The idea also addresses the sustainable practices in the process of creating the drone itself since it will be made from a combination of recycled metal and plastic. This offers a useful way of practicing conservation.  

Sources:

https://dronelife.com/2020/05/...

https://www.medgadget.com/2020...

The three main types of technology that the EcoDrone utilizes are: GPS technology, sensory technology and solar power. GPS will allow the drone to accurately transport and deliver the package.  Sensor technology will allow the drone to use programmed features to detect the number of surfaces on the package and use a mechanical arm to release a disinfectant spray on the detected surfaces. The drone will be powered by solar power with the use of photovoltaic solar panels. These convert the received sunlight directly into electricity. The electric power generated by the solar panels will be stored and used to provide power to recharge the drone’s battery when needed.

Numerous drone technologies already exist with companies such as Airbus that have begun utilizing them as delivery tools. One research group [1] shows that it is already possible to create more efficient energy storage for the drones with the use of charging stations. This particular source shows the possibility of a travelling companion device that can charge the drone mid-flight for long flight duration. The safe drone applies a related method with the exception of stationary charging stations that allow the drone to replenish its energy upon its return to the home facility. The drones can then be connected to the solar system to recharge [2].

The sustainable materials for the construction of the drone have been proven to work. Recycled metal and plastic supports conservation effort which also saves money. Drones are typically constructed from specialized plastics and aluminium. Using recycled PLA, ABS and aluminium to create the drone is a perfect method to create useful technology while conserving resources.

Sources

[1] Ali E., Fanni M., Mohamed A. Design and task management of a mobile solar station for charging flying drones. E3S Web of Conferences 167. ICESD 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/p...

[2] BU-413: Charging with Solar, Turbine. September 11, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2020, from https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_with_solar_and_turbine.