According to the rendering in Google’s patent filing, their delivery model is basically a mobile set of lockers that Google calls a “package securing substation.”Google is at it again. The Internet behemoth that can reliably find lower calorie options for Belgian waffles in nanoseconds has just received a U.S. patent for an autonomous delivery truck featuring code-enabled lockers.
U.S. Patent 9,256,852 B1, described as an “autonomous delivery platform,” was awarded to Google this week.
Google explains in its 18-page filing, which was originally submitted in July 2013, that their vehicle could be used “for all types of delivery, such as advertising circulars, and direct-from-merchant goods (for example pizza delivery).”
Google’s patent and concept for delivery is one where shipper and receiver meet each other half way. Once the truck arrives at its destination, the recipient would approach the vehicle and enter a PIN, or use a method of payment, to open the locker that contains their package.
