Switzerland’s postal service began tests of mail and parcel deliveries by drones on July 7. The technology aims to be used especially at hilly areas of the Alps. Switzerland is a famous mountainous nation, characterized by many remote and isolated villages. So, an unmanned drone delivery service could be quite effective there. The robotic postmen could be particularly useful in emergency situations or in carrying mail that requires extra security or safeguards.

The drone has four propellers, and it can carry up to 1kg and fly about 10km when fully charged. Matternet, the drone’s manufacturer in the United States, developed a program that enables the device to fly autonomously through secure flight paths. In addition, the Swiss postal service said that it will likely be about five years before it uses drones widely. In the meantime, technical issues, such as its battery life, will be tested and improved.

If these flying postmen are used in the future, there could be fewer mishaps associated with mail delivery. In Switzerland specifically, deliveries would not be hindered by the rough, mountainous terrain or geographic isolation. People might be waiting for their parcels or letters while looking up the sky!

Tony Jang
Staff Reporter
(tonyjang@timescore.co.kr)