Wingcopter in drone and e-bike delivery trial for rural communities

German fixed-wing drone manufacturer and aerial services company Wingcopter is partnering with the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences to test on-demand delivery of goods using UAVs and cargo e-bicycles to people in villages and other remote rural communities.

The project is being financed by a $500,000 grant from the German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport. It aims to improve the lives of people living outside of urban zones by bringing groceries and consumer goods to rural residents who currently must drive long distances to get them. The DroLex concept – for Drohnen-Lastenrad-Express-Belieferung (Drone Cargo Bike Express Delivery) – aims to pair Wingcopter UAVs with last mile delivery e-bicycles to effective extend supply chains by air to villages served.

Under the trial scheme, groceries and consumer goods used in daily life will be stored in medium-sized storage centers positioned amid the small communities receiving the new…