Volocopter and DB Schenker Pave the Way for the VoloDrone

The pioneer of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Volocopter and the globally active logistics service provider DB Schenker have successfully developed the foundations for the ground operation of the VoloDrone in logistics in a feasibility study conducted at the Stuttgart Trade Fair grounds. The robust operational data pave the way for a new dimension in transport logistics.

(Stuttgart) Together, the partners, with the support of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics, are now developing a plan for the operation of electric cargo drones in the logistics environment for the first time.

The study examined how the operation of the VoloDrone and a safe environment for personnel, cargo, and autonomous ground vehicles can be designed in the future. From the insights gained, the partners will create an operational plan for the integration of the VoloDrone into logistics networks worldwide. This lays the foundation for further advancements in automation and greater sustainability in logistics.

Integration of the Drone into Existing Logistics Network

Christian Bauer, CCO of Volocopter: “By developing a plan for the operation of the VoloDrone in transport logistics, we are paving the way for a new dimension with tangible and operational data that underpin our service claims. This collaboration shows that DB Schenker is a great investor, a valuable partner, and a driver for commercial VoloDrone deployments in logistics.”

Development teams from Volocopter, DB Schenker, and Fraunhofer IML simulated the integration of the VoloDrone into an existing logistics network in their study. They examined the ground processes for capturing cargo and assessing the safety of various goods. Additionally, they tested the automated loading of the heavy-lift drone by autonomous vehicles as well as logistics-specific checks before takeoff. The procedures developed were tested and evaluated to design safe standard processes for ground staff.

Making Urban Air Mobility a Reality

Erik Wirsing, Global Head of Innovation at DB Schenker: “With the VoloDrone, we are unlocking entirely new possibilities in logistics. It is a key element of DB Schenker’s innovation and sustainability roadmap. The technology from Volocopter is practically usable, the development is always customer-oriented, and behind it all is the unwavering will to make urban air mobility a reality. This shows that Volocopter is at the forefront of the emerging Urban Air Mobility.”

Since mid-2019, Volocopter and DB Schenker have been working together on the further development of the VoloDrone for specific applications of business-to-business drone services in logistics and their commercial launch. The VoloDrone, Volocopter’s versatile cargo drone, can transport a payload of 200 kg over a distance of up to 40 km. It features 18 rotors and motors that power the fully electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

Mobile Robots from Gideon Brothers

The heavy-lift drone for logistics is part of Volocopter’s UAM ecosystem, which also includes air taxi services for people (VoloCity and VoloConnect), the necessary infrastructure (VoloPort), and a digital system as the backbone for the coordination and overview of all processes in real-time (VoloIQ). The automated mobile robots for the current study were provided by DB Schenker’s partner Gideon Brothers, a pioneer in autonomous mobile robots.

Once the operational plan is fully formulated, it will be made available to project partners under a confidentiality agreement.

Watch the Test Video

Photo: © Schenker