Drone delivery technology is advancing quickly, and one of the most intriguing new concepts comes from the Mechanical Engineering department at Polytechnique Montreal. Their design, known as the kirigami parachute, offers a fresh take on how packages might be safely delivered from the sky in the future. Inspired by the Japanese art of kirigami, which involves folding and cutting paper to create patterns and structures, this innovative idea could help solve some familiar challenges in aerial deliveries.

Traditional parachutes have been a staple for many airborne tasks, but they can struggle to control descent in windy or unpredictable conditions. The kirigami parachute concept introduces a clever network of holes and slits, arranged in specific patterns, to regulate airflow and keep the parachute stable. These patterns are designed to help prevent packages from swinging or spinning as they descend, even when the wind picks up.

Designer Name: Mechanical Engineering department at Polytechnique Montreal

What makes the kirigami parachute concept stand out is its potential for highly accurate deliveries. In drone logistics, getting a package to land exactly where it’s supposed to is crucial. A missed drop can lead to damaged goods or safety issues. Early tests and simulations suggest that the kirigami design could help packages land closer to their intended targets compared to traditional round parachutes, thanks to its improved stability.

Another appealing aspect of this concept is how compact it can be. Kirigami parachutes are designed to fold flat, making them easy to store within the limited cargo space on drones. This could make them especially useful for commercial drone delivery systems, where every bit of space and weight matters. Plus, the design is flexible enough to be adapted for different sizes of packages, from small medical shipments to bigger consumer deliveries.

Environmental impact is a growing concern for all delivery systems, and the kirigami parachute concept addresses this as well. By using less material without sacrificing strength or functionality, it has the potential to be more eco-friendly than traditional parachutes. This could help make widespread drone delivery services more sustainable in the long run.

It’s important to note that the kirigami parachute is still a concept, not yet a commercial product. The team at Polytechnique Montreal is continuing to refine their design, and it has caught the eye of both researchers and industry leaders looking for improved solutions for drone deliveries. As interest in fast and contactless delivery services continues to grow, innovative ideas like this could play an important role in shaping the future of package transportation.

The post How the Kirigami Parachute Concept Could Change Drone Deliveries first appeared on Yanko Design.

Have you ever experienced leaving the house with just one bag but throughout the day, you seem to be carrying more and more stuff? It’s probably okay if you’re moving around with a car but for those of us who commute, it can be a hassle. And as someone who can’t seem to just bring a small bag around, I do a lot of heavy lifting so to speak which can be a pain to my back and arms.

POTRIK is an innovative concept that reimagines how we move our belongings in the city. Designed by Yungwon Kang, Jueun Lee, Hyeonji Yang, Hyeongjoon Joo, and Hyogyeong Park, this concept tackles the hassle of carrying heavy shopping bags, making last-minute stops after errands, or picking up second-hand finds. With this modular sharing mobility system, you can enjoy lighter hands and more freedom every day, as POTRIK takes care of the heavy lifting for you.

Designers: Yungwon Kang, Jueun Lee, Hyeonji Yang, Hyeongjoon Joo, and Hyogyeong Park

At its core, POTRIK is a modular, detachable delivery mobility designed to move seamlessly between roads and sidewalks. The system is made up of two primary components: the Driving Module and the Storage Module. When you need to send something, a simple request through the POTRIK app sets everything in motion. The Driving Module, waiting at a city charging station, connects with the loaded Storage Module at your chosen departure point. Together, they form a single mobility unit that quickly transports your baggage along the road.

Upon reaching your destination, the Storage Module detaches and navigates sidewalks and building entrances autonomously. This means your items are delivered directly to you—no need to trek to a pick-up point or wait outside. With this system, quick and secure delivery is always within reach, whether you’re running errands or need to send something across town. POTRIK’s user experience is designed for simplicity and control.

You can track your belongings in real time through the POTRIK app, and with the 24H PASS, the system stays ready to respond at any hour, moving between strategically placed charging stations. When your delivery arrives, a tap with NFC opens the Storage Module so you can access your items instantly and securely.

The process is as easy as three steps: Send, Move, and Receive. Just set your pick-up and drop-off locations, and POTRIK handles the rest. This new delivery system is not just about moving things from place to place. It’s about making the process smarter and more personal. Whether you’re managing busy days packed with errands or need reliable help with heavy loads, POTRIK promises a lighter, more flexible way to get things done.

Though still a concept, POTRIK’s vision points to a new era of personalized, on-demand delivery. With POTRIK, your belongings arrive exactly where and when you need them, freeing you up to enjoy the city with lighter hands and a more liberated routine.

The post Potrik concept reimagines urban mobility and personal delivery first appeared on Yanko Design.