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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.'"

9 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 Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 5, Interesting

      By including it inside the product packaging (or building it into the product itself B-) ), a manufacturer can record, not just shipping shocks in the last hop, but all shocks from the time the device was packaged at the factory. He can defend himself (and the customer) against failures (and warranty repair costs) generated by mishandling by a wholesaler, retailer, or what-have-you, not just the final shipper.

      The device would report significant events with time stamps, so the final shipper wouldn't get blamed for mishandling further up the chain.

      With integrated accelerometers and the like, the silicon-with-MEMS product would be a rather tiny chip attached to a battery - which (with modern battery tech) could power it for the shelf life of the product's design. Given Moore's law the prices for the electronic versions might come out lower than those of the mechanical version.

      Main downside might be that the battery might make the device unsuited for air freight. B-)

      --
      Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
    2. Re:Existing non-electronic variant by MrEricSir · · Score: 5, Funny

      Or how about a label that just says "Yes, this packaged was dropped" applied to every package prior to delivery?

      Based on my experience, that would have near-perfect accuracy. Also it's cheaper than an electronic solution.

      --
      There's no -1 for "I don't get it."
    3. Re:Existing non-electronic variant by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 5, Funny

      this is actually how UPS, the shipping company got its name.

      it was a phonetic spelling mistake: they meant to call the company "oops!".

      (the more you know...)

      --

      --
      "It is now safe to switch off your computer."
    4. Re:Existing non-electronic variant by markxz · · Score: 5, Funny

      Shockwatch labels that release sarin (or equivelent) gas when broken would incentivise good handling of the item.

      Otherwise couriers will continue to smash the items up.

  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. Does this mean that Schrödinger... by patmandu · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...can finally know if he should sign for that mail-order cat?

  4. 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.

  5. Video of Device by sexconker · · Score: 5, Funny

    Highly informative video.
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q6_9A90cUk