Automated Cargo Handling
The Drone Cargo Port was unique worldwide, the system processed cargo fully automatically from drone to final destination, without human intervention. The infrastructure integrated seamlessly with existing logistics environments, such as pneumatic tube systems and building automation, thus enabling a fully autonomous logistics chain.
The technology could be deployed in various sectors, including healthcare, defense, industry, and airport environments. According to Helicus, the Drone Cargo Port positioned Belgium internationally as a frontrunner in autonomous logistics.
Belgian Innovation
“With the Drone Cargo Port, Helicus introduced an open and modular ground automation platform that directly connected autonomous drone flights to existing logistics infrastructure. Thanks to bidirectional integration with, among others, pneumatic tube mail systems, a fully automated chain was created from air to final destination, without human intervention and operating 24/7,” said Mikael Shamim, CEO of Helicus.
“Although automated drone flights were increasingly being deployed, cargo handling on the ground generally remained manual and labour-intensive. With its DCP, Helicus provided an automated solution for this. We were therefore very pleased to see this Belgian innovation in operation at DronePort, through which our country positioned itself internationally as a pioneer in autonomous logistics,” said Ward Decaluwe, CEO of DronePort.
DORAI Standard
During the event at DronePort, live operational demonstrations were given in an active airport environment. Visitors saw autonomous drone flights, automated cargo handling and concrete applications such as time-critical medical transport, hospital rooftop operations, secured industrial logistics and controlled logistics processes. Multiple European drone manufacturers participated, aligned with the international DORAI standard for drone cargo interfaces. (http://www.dorai.network)
The first generation of the system was already operational at Jan Yperman Hospital. The new version was lighter, modular in design, and specifically developed for scalable deployment in diverse operational contexts.
The demonstrations were combined with expert brainstorming sessions with stakeholders from defense, airports, healthcare, pharma, and industry. They gathered around one central question: “How did drone cargo logistics evolve from pilot projects to fully operational applications?”
