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Parcel Sensor Knows When Your Delivery Has Been Dropped

Posted by samzenpus on from the you-break-it-you-buy-it dept.

First time accepted submitter Hamsterdan writes "If you're tired of finding that your stuff has been smashed during shipping after opening your package, this device is for you. 'Called DropTag, the gadget combines a battery, a low-energy Bluetooth transmitter, an accelerometer and a memory chip. Stuck on a parcel as it leaves an e-commerce warehouse, it logs any g-forces above a set risky shock level that it experiences. The idea is that when the courier puts it in your hands, you turn on Bluetooth on a smartphone running a DropTag app and scan it before you sign for it.'"

5 of 145 comments (clear)

  1. Existing non-electronic variant by EdZ · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Why not just use a shockwatch and stick it on the outside? That's what they're for, and having one obviously visible is certainyl more of a deterrant to mistreatment than a normal 'handle with care' sticker.

    1. Re:Existing non-electronic variant by p0p0 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Exactly this, So much simpler and easier since you need to get the sender to apply it, and they are more likely to attack the shock stickers apposed to hacking together a wireless g-sensor. Unnecessarily high-tech solution to a low-tech problem.

    2. Re:Existing non-electronic variant by hduff · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Why not just use a shockwatch and stick it on the outside?

      If they really worked reliably, they would be in wider use. I would gladly pay the small premium for these things as would many people.

      But I suspect that it would not ameliorate the problem since damage and returns are built into the cost of doing business and the shippers have no incentive to correct the problem any moer than they have..

      --
      "I believe in Karma. That means I can do bad things to people all day long and I assume they deserve it." : Dogbert
  2. Re:Sooo by vux984 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Yes, because people want what they ordered within a few days of ordering it. They do not want to make insurance claims even if they eventually get made whole.

    So getting it to the customer right the first time has value.

  3. Who will recycle the sensors? by rminsk · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Who will recycle the sensors? All we need is more electronics and batteries ending up in the landfill.