South Korean researchers have recently introduced a transport drone that may revolutionize the face of moving goods over difficult terrain such as stairs. The "flying shopping cart" developed by a team at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, this drone operates with flexible rotors that self-correct mid-flight to remain stable, earning it the nickname "flying shopping cart."

 

How does this "flying cart" work?

 

The prototype, named Palletronem - a combination of "pallet" (the cargo platform) and "drone"—has a cargo platform mounted on top and is designed to carry loads of up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs). Controlled by a person using gentle force, the drone hovers and responds to human guidance using a technique known as physical human-robot interaction. This system anticipates the user’s intentions and adjusts the drone’s flight accordingly.

Professor Lee Seung-jae, who leads the research team, explained how the drone was demonstrated navigating stairs and loading boxes mid-air while staying level thanks to a center of the mass estimation algorithm.

Though the drone can carry goods over uneven terrain, Lee emphasized that the ultimate goal is not just a stair-climbing shopping cart.  “The Palletrone can be more than a flying shopping cart,” he said, suggesting potential for other applications where horizontal stability matters.

 

Flying taxis and mid-air refueling

 

Perhaps more than its current capability, Lee's team holds great hope that the drone technology can be used in flying taxis or drones that can be fueled mid-air. Battery swaps, which can be done in mid-air, will mean drones won't need to head back to base for recharging and, therefore could possess a higher operational range.

 

Challenges for multi-rotor drones

 

While multi-rotor drones like the Palletrone offer excellent control and maneuverability, their speed and range remain limited compared to fixed-wing drones, especially when it comes to carrying heavier payloads. Currently, they are being used for cargo delivery, including foodstuffs and medical supplies, although so far, their commercial applications have been difficult to extend because of limitations in batteries.

The team’s work was recently published in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, the journal of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 

With this breakthrough, the Palletrone could represent the next step in transforming how we move goods and possibly people through the skies.