A flying shopping cart developed by researchers is intended to change shopping behavior in the supermarket.
Imagine being able to not only push your groceries through the supermarket, but let them float. This may sound like science fiction at first, but researchers have now come up with exactly such a concept Seoul National University of Science and Technology presented.
Their so-called pallet cart is a flying shopping cart that is intended to make it possible to transport loads through the air. The idea behind it is simple: instead of laboriously maneuvering up and down the stairs, the car simply floats over them.
The pallet truck is based on a multirotor platform. At the heart of it are four servo motors that drive the system. These motors provide a consistent airflow that keeps the platform in the air. The top offers enough space to place items. The car can be controlled using a handle on the side.
Flying shopping cart can carry three kilograms
A big advantage of the pallet truck is its ability to move freely in space. This means that obstacles such as stairs or uneven floors are not a problem. Because the car simply floats over it. However, there are still some challenges that researchers must overcome.
For example, uneven loading can create an imbalance that affects stability. In addition, the payload is currently limited to around 2.93 kilograms – so just a few light purchases.
Another problem is that the system is currently unable to react to external influences such as wind. This means that the pallet trucks can only be used in controlled environments. However, researchers are working to solve these problems and further improve charging capacity and controls.
Other application scenarios are also conceivable
Although the researchers originally developed the shopping cart as a transport platform, they also see other possible uses. For example, it could serve as a flying platform for film crews to position cameras from different angles. However, the construction is currently still very loud due to the engines.
Overall, the pallet truck shows that the future of transport could not only take place on the ground. With further improvements, technology could make our daily lives much easier – be it shopping or other areas.
Also interesting:
- Research: AI develops more creative ideas than 50 scientists combined
- Researchers are increasing the lifespan of liquid batteries – with air-stable molecules
- Disinformation: 5 Techniques People Use to Deny Science
- Harvard: Researchers develop AI that can diagnose cancer
The article Flying shopping cart: Will our purchases soon float through the supermarket? by Felix Baumann first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a Tech Industry expert, I think the concept of a flying shopping cart is certainly intriguing and could potentially revolutionize the way we shop in supermarkets. The idea of our purchases floating through the store and being delivered directly to us as we shop is exciting and could greatly streamline the shopping experience.
However, there are definitely some challenges and considerations to take into account with this technology. Safety would be a major concern, both in terms of the flying carts themselves and how they interact with shoppers and other objects in the store. Additionally, the logistics of managing a fleet of flying shopping carts would be complex and require a significant investment in infrastructure and technology.
Overall, while the idea of flying shopping carts is a futuristic and exciting concept, I believe there are still many hurdles to overcome before this technology becomes a reality in supermarkets. But with advancements in AI, robotics, and drone technology, who knows what the future holds for the shopping experience.
Credits