Researchers Develop Palletrone Flying Trolley to Avoid Wheel Damage and Stuck Issues, Enhancing Cargo Transportation Flexibility.
(Video: Seoul National University of Science and Technology).
A research team at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) has developed the Palletrone flying trolley, allowing users to transport items at chest height instead of pushing a wheeled cart on the ground, reported New Atlas on September 24. This research was recently published in the IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.
Essentially, the Palletrone consists of a multi-rotor drone housed in a cage, with a flat surface on top for loading cargo. “The trolley is designed with a spacious flat surface on top for easy loading, combined with a handle at the back similar to traditional carts. To control the flight trajectory, users will hold the handle, applying three-dimensional forces and torque while maintaining stable cargo transport without wobbling or tilting,” the research team explained.
Users are protected from the drone’s fast-spinning rotors by the surrounding cage. The cage features several openings that allow sufficient airflow for the drone to fly, minimizing performance degradation.
Noise from the drone is a drawback of the Palletrone. Another limitation is that the trolley currently has a relatively low payload capacity of only 2.93 kg, which is insufficient for carrying the amount of groceries a family purchases weekly or assisting warehouse staff in efficiently moving goods. Additionally, the trolley’s operating time depends on the drone’s battery.
Palletrone flying trolley in testing.
Most of these issues can be addressed as the research team continues to improve the Palletrone. The flying trolley still offers significant benefits as it allows users to navigate stairs easily without worrying about stuck or damaged wheels.
In its current version, the research team utilizes a basic flight control algorithm from previous studies by some team members. The system also employs actuators to continuously adjust wobbling and tilting, helping stabilize the trolley during operation while considering the forces applied by the user.
Beyond applications in logistics or supermarkets, the Palletrone could also serve as a flying tripod, enabling flexible camera movement with various angles. According to Seung Jae Lee, a team member, the next step may be to develop a charging system that operates while in flight to extend the active time.
