A Chicago-based start-up called Valqari says that its patented Smart Drone Delivery Mailbox solves the last inch logistic problems associated with drone delivery.

Described as a “universal drone receptacle for package delivery and pick-up,” the smart mailbox is equipped with agnostic capabilities to ensure seamless integration and communication with any UAS manufacturer during a fully-automated delivery process.

Valqari says that with its smart mailbox, it can “revolutionize drone deliveries” for a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, meal delivery and grocery services, governments and residential e-commerce.

“We knew the biggest hurdle facing drone delivery was that there was no standardized, safe and secure landing area,” says Valqari’s CEO and co-founder Ryan Walsh.

“This gave us a clear vision from the start that our mission would be to provide the missing piece to the last stage drone delivery process.”

​Walsh and fellow Valqari co-founder Alexander Falesch realized back in 2013 that UAS deliveries were going to be a reality sooner than later, so they spent several years conducting research and tests until they created a secure and practical answer for the final few inches of delivery. The Smart Drone Mailbox concept became a reality in 2017, the same year that Valqari was officially founded.

With Valqari’s smart mailbox, drone delivery providers have a safe landing area that uses two-way communication technology to eliminate risks related with total automated drone delivery, providing prospective partners with a “complete end-to-end delivery solution,” while offering future users reduced shipping costs, increased market penetration, reduced liabilities and a secure chain of custody.

To date, Valqari says that its drone delivery platform is the only one to be issued utility patents in 13 countries and territories including the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.

Valqari will be at Booth 721 during Xponential 2019 in Chicago.