The Brno-based company 3L Robotics is set to begin testing a pioneering drone delivery system at the Brno Exhibition Centre. The initiative, one of the first to utilize the BVV Living Lab, a simulated urban environment, aims to revolutionize package delivery in cities. Despite the promising advancements, Luboš Lněnička, CEO of 3L Robotics, anticipates that widespread drone deliveries in the Czech Republic may still be a decade away, largely due to the ongoing development of technology and necessary legislative changes.
In collaboration with Honeywell, 3L Robotics has developed a prototype helipad within laboratory conditions. This two-meter-tall tower serves as a landing spot for drones, where they can charge and prepare for their next delivery. “We’re not competing with the big tech companies; we’re complementing them by creating essential infrastructure,” Lněnička stated during a press conference.
Looking ahead, Lněnička envisions a future where homes could be equipped with drone delivery pads, allowing shipments to be sent directly to individuals’ residences. The initial tests will involve drones delivering packages weighing up to three kilograms over distances of up to 15 kilometers, using four designated helipads at the Brno Exhibition Centre.
The BVV Living Lab, launched this year, is a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions that provide a natural environment for testing innovative technologies. According to Lněnička, drones offer significant advantages over traditional delivery methods, including speed, cost efficiency, and environmental benefits, as drones operate on electricity and can autonomously deliver packages directly to customers without the need for human drivers.
Currently, drone flights are restricted to closed areas due to legislative limitations. However, Lněnička expressed optimism that the regulatory landscape will evolve to accommodate wider drone operations. “We need to establish defined flight routes, ensuring that drones avoid densely developed areas while maintaining efficiency,” he explained.
The initial testing phase at the Brno Exhibition Centre is scheduled to run from November to January. Following successful trials, 3L Robotics aims to expand testing to suburban areas around Brno and neighboring villages. Before moving forward, the company must demonstrate to authorities that drone operations are safe and reliable.
Lněnička also noted that similar drone delivery projects are already operating commercially in other parts of the world, including the United States and Dublin, where drone-delivered pizza is available.
Source: 3L Robotics and CTK
