IBM files a patent of a system that uses blockchain technology to prevent drone-enabled package theft.
On Nov. 12, a filing published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reveals that IBM will track drone altitude using an Internet of Things (IoT) altimeter, while continuously uploading that data to a blockchain secure platform.
Blockchain To Tackle Drone Theft
Drones stealing packages in the future might become ordinary in the future. The packages need to be outfitted with an altitude sensor set to trigger an alarm if a significant altitude change is measured outside of the preset criteria. Once the alarm is triggered, the GPS-enabled IoT device will transmit its exact location data to a tracking module.
It is comparable with giving an SOS call when something goes wrong with the packages en route to the delivery location.
The patent describes that unattended delivery of packages can leave items vulnerable to theft and other kinds of damages after the package is delivered and before it is received.
The patent further states:
“The confluence of the increase in drone use and the increase in online shopping provides a situation in which a drone may be used with nefarious intent to anonymously take a package that is left on a doorstep after delivery.”
Source: USPTO | Cointelegraph | Image: Shutterstock