South Korean Researchers Develop “Flying Shopping Cart” Called Palletrone

South Korean researchers from the Seoul National University of Science and Technology developed a new prototype of a “flying shopping cart” called Palletrone to carry objects in the air.

According to the report shared by Reuters today, the device works like a transport drone but has a mounted platform supported by a multi-rotor drone capable of self-correcting to keep level in flight and can be gently pushed by someone to guide its path.

The hovering aircraft can help move up to 3 kilograms—6.6 lbs—across stairs or uneven terrains in a smooth flight and respond to human control, the same way we would use a shopping cart.

Professor Lee Seung-jae explained to Reuters that the research team is interested in its application for reliable horizontal transportation with stability and guaranteeing it would not roll or sway.

“The Palletrone can be more than a flying shopping cart,” said Lee. The professor said they have been studying its potential for uncrewed flying taxis, or as aerial stations for drones to change batteries without going back to the ground.

The Palletrone has limitations for commercial use, like the battery size. It would require larger batteries to transport heavier objects across long distances. In the meantime, the researchers have used it to deliver medicines, food, cargo, and other supplies.

Automation Letters and EEE Robotics published the researcher’s work earlier this year, the new technology is gaining popularity, especially among sci-fi advocates.

Reuters shared a video on social media to show how the new Palletrone can perform.

WATCH: A new aerial cargo transportation platform called ‘Palletrone’ has been developed by South Korean researchers who say the technology maintains its stability while being pushed or pulled by a person, even with added weight on top https://t.co/ubsIPfZtvP pic.twitter.com/Vp4UvMfV5j

— Reuters Tech News (@ReutersTech) October 22, 2024