The drones do not only serve to record from the air. Imagine playing golf assisted by a drone that brings you drinks or refill the balls bag.
This could seem science fiction but is already reality at the Japanese course Carmel Golf Resort, in Chiba, east of Tokyo. We invite you to learn a little more about this kind of "air caddie":
How is it used?
With an application installed on their smartphone, the players themselves can order drinks, golf balls or other items while they continue their route. These are delivered quickly by a drone from a station near the course. A simple system of identification and an online payment complete the purchase process.
The Logistics
When users request a product, an order is received in the order centre, where the staff are responsible for the package of the items in a container and the placement in the drone.
The item is carried out by remote control from a tablet until the drone arrives to the player. Then it lands, frees the goods and returns to the station.
Marking the future of home delivery
This system has been developed by a local company: Autonomous Control System Laboratory, belonging to the University of Chiba.
The “air caddies” have already captured attention, for example, from the Japanese giant of electronic commerce (Rakuten). This company has planned to invest shortly in this technology, with the idea to test it in other golf courses and later, even in their own distribution logistics.
The delivery system of drinks for golf players is only a part of the tests that are being carried out in the distribution of articles by unmanned aircrafts.
During testing, it will be analysed the impact on the environmental factors and will be tested in the collection of packages in logistics centers. The goal? To put into operation a system of distribution of goods in 2020.
Other uses intended for this type of distribution are the delivery in sparsely populated areas and the supply of products in the event of an emergency.
While the necessary tests are carried out to ensure the expansion of this system, on the Costa del Sol, our caddies will continue providing personal assistance.
