Drone manufacturer Wingcopter has joined forces with the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, REWE Group, Vodafone, Riese & Müller, and the city of Michelstadt for a pioneering initiative aimed at delivering groceries to residents in remote areas of Germany.
Wingcopter Drone Deliveries in Germany
Under the banner of "LieferMichel," the project employs a combination of Wingcopter delivery drones and cargo bikes to swiftly and emissions-free transport groceries and consumer goods to the homes of residents in the outlying districts of Rehbach and Würzberg, located outside of Michelstadt.
Customers can place orders for a variety of non-perishable goods, which Wingcopter then flies to designated landing points on the outskirts of the villages. From there, electric cargo bikes handle the final leg of the delivery process.
The project, dubbed "Drohnen-Lastenrad-Express-Belieferung" ("Drone-Cargo Bike Express Delivery"), is designed to enhance local supply chains sustainably, with a particular focus on regions facing logistical challenges.
Initially, the offerings will include a diverse range of products from the local REWE store, with plans to integrate additional local retailers into the platform over time. The Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences oversees the project's scientific evaluation, assessing its economic and ecological impact.
The university also manages the cargo bike operations, leveraging its expertise in last-mile logistics using cargo bikes and light electric vehicles (LEVs). Collaborators on the project include the city of Michelstadt, REWE, Vodafone, and Riese & Müller.
Vodafone is responsible for furnishing the requisite mobile communications infrastructure to ensure seamless communication between the Wingcopter drones and the ground station throughout the flight. Riese & Müller, an e-bike pioneer based in the Odenwald region, is supplying the cargo bikes for the initiative.
All-Electric Drone Deliveries
The villages involved have witnessed the closure of numerous local retailers, necessitating residents to travel considerable distances to fulfill their shopping needs.
LieferMichel offers a more convenient alternative, particularly for smaller errands weighing up to 4 kilograms. Additionally, the use of all-electric delivery drones is an environmentally conscious option compared to conventional car travel, according to Wingcopter.
Building on the insights gained from the Michelstadt pilot, the project aims to develop a sustainable and scalable business model that can enhance local supply chains in other rural regions of Germany.
While smaller stores have dwindled in rural areas, speedy delivery services have predominantly been confined to urban centers. The project partners see significant potential in expanding such services. The initiative is slated to run until the conclusion of 2023, with plans for continuation contingent on its success.
"We are really proud to pilot LieferMichel, the first drone delivery service for groceries and everyday goods in Germany. Our biggest goal is to gain experience and evaluate, together with the residents, an environmentally friendly and efficient service that creates real added value for the population in rural areas," Tom Plümmer, CEO of Wingcopter, said in a press release statement.
"We are deeply grateful for the hospitality of the people of Odenwald and the openness with which they have welcomed the project and the LieferMichel team," Plümmer added.
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