IBM Eyes Blockchain and IoT Solution to Eradicate Drone Theft
Companies, such as FedEx, DHL, and Amazon, are developing drones that can deliver packages to clients’ doorsteps. This is a novel undertaking, but IBM is looking at the bigger picture, whereby these drones might steal the packages instead of delivering them.
Companies, such as FedEx, DHL, and Amazon, are developing drones that can deliver packages to clients’ doorsteps. This is a novel undertaking, but IBM is looking at the bigger picture, whereby these drones might steal the packages instead of delivering them.
The computing giant, however, notes that this challenge can be eradicated with the help of blockchain and the internet of things (IoT). Expressly, IBM won a patent for “Preventing anonymous theft by drones,” whereby an IoT altimeter will be triggered if a liftoff happens. It will then track the package’s attitude, and the information will be stored on a blockchain platform.
IBM noted that online purchases are continually increasing, and people have the liberty of flying their drones. As a result, package theft through drones may be inevitable.
The patent affirms: “The confluence of the increase in drone use and the increase in online shopping provides a situation in which a drone may be used with nefarious intent to anonymously take a package that is left on the doorstep after delivery.”
IBM has stipulated that the solution will entail placing an IoT sensor on delivery packages that only triggers if an attitude change exceeding the threshold is detected, as this will mean the items have been lifted from the drone. The sensor will then periodically update the blockchain network.
Image via Shutterstock
Image source: Shutterstock
