There is disclosed a container comprising a container portion for storing one or more items. The container portion is accessible via a movable closure. The container portion also comprises an input device and a lock for selectively configuring the container portion in a locked state or an unlocked state. The container also comprises a communication module for communicating with a user device of a user. A controller is configured such that, in response to actuation of the input device when the container portion is in the locked state, the controller causes a request for access to the container portion to be sent by the communication module to the user device of a user only on condition that one or more items is determined by the controller to be present in the container portion.

A self-locking parcel delivery apparatus and method includes a tamper-resistant compartment beneath a lid of a porch bench seat and insulated for protecting delivered parcels. The apparatus includes a lid that is held open magnetically until proactively released to close and lock (such as by a delivery person) or by a remote user via a primary software application running on a mobile communications device. The apparatus may be operated in conjunction or cooperation with a supplemental software application associated with a video motion detection system so that a remote user can authenticate a supposed delivery person and then, using another software app, activate a remote delivery container to be made ready to receive a delivered parcel.

A system for securely depositing an item includes: a deposit box with a door configured to provide selective access to an interior space in the deposit box; a lock mechanism configured to attach to the deposit box to selectively block the door from opening; a first proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism to operate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open; a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of: a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximity sensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating information regarding the lock mechanism, and wherein the deposit box is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long.

Provided is a method, performed by an access authorisation verification apparatus, involving the steps of: obtaining a piece of information from a transmission; identifying a transmission data record using the piece of information obtained from the transmission, wherein the transmission data record comprises address information associated with the transmission; determining an access control apparatus on the basis of a comparison of the address information of the transmission data record with respective address information that is associated with the access control apparatuses and stored on the access authorisation verification apparatus; allowing selection and/or confirmation of an access control apparatus for the determined access control apparatus by a user of the access authorisation verification apparatus; and communicating access authorization information to the access control apparatus in order to gain access to a room associated with the access control apparatus, so that the transmission can be placed into or removed from the room.

A secure locker box is provided including a basic box (100) with a door enclosing a storage area, and a lock system for locking the door, the lock system including a processing unit (201), an electro mechanical door lock (202), and a wireless communication module (300). The processing unit (201) is adapted to receive a wakeup signal via the wireless communication module (300); send a request for unlocking the electro mechanical door lock (202) and opening the door; in response to receiving an unlock confirmation message, actuate the electro mechanical door lock (202) such that it opens the door; recognize closing of the door and locking the electro mechanical door lock (202) and in response sending a door closed and door lock locked confirmation message. A method for handling the secure locker box comprises receiving the confirmation message by a remote locker center (400) and writing a confirmation to a blockchain to ensure authenticity.

The invention relates to a multifunction urban locker provided with two sections, with a telephone, a touchscreen, a bar code reader, and a plurality of different-sized compartments for containing parcels. The locker is protected with tamper-proof glass, electromechanical locks and, for greater security, a 360° video camera. The locker has spaces for advertising, in addition to batteries that can be recharged with solar energy and a pollen and CO.sub.2 meter. Advantageously, the invention allows the telephony/parcel company to be contacted by means of telecommunication systems, and correspondence to be received at any hour of the day, regardless of the size of the package, securely and without needing to be at home.

A computer-implemented robot pickup method including receiving a request from a user to pick up an article at a first location. A robot having a closeable transport container is navigated to the first location. The robot opens the closeable transport container and moves the article inside the closeable transport container at the first location, and navigates over an outdoor transportation network from the first location to the second location to deliver the article to the second location.

In one aspect, a portable electronic device is provided for accessing a secured area to deliver a package therein. The portable electronic device includes a sensor configured to detect an indicium of the package and communication circuitry configured to communicate a message to a server computer associated with the package upon the sensor detecting the indicium. The communication circuitry is further configured to receive delivery information from the server computer, the delivery information including at least a location of the secured area. The portable electronic device further includes a processor operatively coupled to the sensor and the communication circuitry. The processor is configured to cause, via the communication circuitry, the movable barrier operator to open a movable barrier associated with the secured area.

The present disclosure relates to an article storage and retrieval apparatus, including a frame body, configured to be fixed on a vertical mounting surface; a cap body, the cap body, hinged with the frame body at upper end, left end or right end to rotate to open and close; and an accommodating box, arranged in a space formed between the frame body and the cap body, adopting a foldable structure and configured to be unfolded after the cap body is opened relative to the frame body to form a space for accommodating articles and allow the cap body to be closed relative to the frame body after being folded.

A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle and awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.