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What kind of objects can be sent in the pods? Literally anything! Well, anything that fits within our totes which has a volume of 0.875 cubic feet (16” x 10.5” x 9”). This cargo volume accommodates 85% of non-furniture e-commerce purchases, 95% of grocery items, and most prepared food items (pizza is one of the few exceptions - though we are working on it).
How will you pay for the infrastructure installation? Our first pilot in Peachtree Corners, GA has been completely self-funded and is currently preparing for its first initial test runs! Other projects may be funded through strategic partnerships that benefit all parties. The Pipedream infrastructure is designed to be usable by other utility companies (electric, telecom, gas, water, sewer) if needed, ensuring that the majority of the physical infrastructure can be financed using conventional utility bank loans. This multi-use reduces the risk of installing dedicated infrastructure in the event that Pipedream migrates to an alternative delivery method (Star Trek Transporter?) or ceases operations.
How much will it cost to send something? The cost of individual Pipedream deliveries will depend on a variety of factors, including: distance, mass, payload contents (medical, chemical, etc), current network volume, and region. We aim to provide intra-district deliveries of groceries and prepared food items at a target operational cost of around $0.15 per delivery — meaning your delivery fees will go down to $1 per delivery.
Will it be safe?
The vast majority of the Pipedream network will be underground, providing inherent safety and security. Our robots can’t fall from the sky, drive off the road, or block a sidewalk. Portal locations will be selected and designed with safety in mind (much like an ATM), and will also be user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Deliveries are also opt-in only — while anyone can send you mail if they know your address, you can only receive a package through the Pipedream network if you explicitly accept it.
How will you decide the system layout/terminal locations? The Pipedream system layout for a particular service area will depend on a variety of factors, including: terrain, existing infrastructure, permit availability, population density, delivery partners, and location of restaurants/stores. Terminal locations will be placed at locations that maximize the number of customers within a 1⁄4 mile radius.
How fast will the pods go? Pod speeds will be variable based on the exact delivery mission and network volume, but the pods will be capable of speeds in excess of 75 mph. With minimized traffic and safety concerns, these things can really fly.
How will you power the cargo pods? The pods are self-powered using onboard batteries — no pneumatic vacuum tubes required! Pipedream pods will recharge either at the portals, or at dedicated recharging stations placed throughout the network. As a bonus, using electricity will allow Pipedream to pursue exclusive use of clean energy in the future, creating a sustainable and efficient delivery network (along with reducing traffic).
Will the cargo pods be driven remotely by humans?
Only in rare circumstances! The pods are inherently pretty smart — they can navigate throughout the network completely autonomously, much like a drone or self-driving car (though luckily for us, our pods have a much simpler and safer operational environment).