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.

Defrost system for smart locker in package delivery are disclosed herein. An example method can include receiving a delivery message from a delivery unit that a package is to be delivered to a locker unit, the delivery message including an expected delivery time, determining a frozen condition for the locker unit, and activating a defroster element associated with the locker unit before delivery of the package by the delivery unit according to expected delivery time.

A method includes receiving a parcel identifier from a sensor, transmitting a reporting message to a remote server, and transmitting an authentication message to a local wireless receiver. The reporting message includes first information associated with the parcel identifier and the authentication message includes second information associated with the parcel identifier. Transmitting the reporting message and the authentication message may be performed automatically in response to receipt of the parcel identifier. A parcel receptacle includes a compartment, a lid, a lock mechanism, a wireless communication module, and a controller. The controller is configured to periodically transmit a beacon signal, receive an authentication message including a parcel identifier from a delivery driver device, compare the parcel identifier to one or more stored codes, and in response to determining the parcel identifier matches at least one of the one or more stored codes, send an unlock instruction signal to the lock mechanism.

A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.

Securing systems and methods of securing a transport container to an attachment point. In one embodiment, the securing system includes an actuator, an attachment structure, and an electronic controller. The attachment structure is dimensioned to complement the actuator. The electronic controller is operably coupled to the actuator for attaching and releasing the actuator to the attachment structure.

The disclosed invention includes a dwelling fixture. The dwelling fixture includes a compartment configured to contain packages delivered to the dwelling, an interior door to access the compartment from the interior of the dwelling, and an exterior door to access the compartment from the exterior of the dwelling. The interior door and/or exterior door includes a locking mechanism to secure the compartment. The dwelling fixture is easily and securely installable through the walls of the dwelling. The exterior door is flush with the exterior of the dwelling and aesthetically integrated with trim that adapts to any exterior finish.

Methods and system for securing delivery of a parcel when an intended recipient is unavailable, comprising at least one storage receptacle having an electronically controlled locking mechanism, the storage receptacle comprising an interface for receiving an access code for facilitating unlocking of the storage receptacle, a wireless communication radio, and a processor. The system further comprises a remote service manager comprising an access code generator and a wireless communication radio for transmitting an access code to a mobile computing device operated by a delivery carrier. The mobile computing device includes a wireless communication radio, one or more processors, and a memory comprising instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive, via the wireless communication radio, from the remote service manager, a single use access code for facilitating unlocking of the storage receptacle, and transmit the access code to the storage receptacle interface. The storage receptacle processor confirms the validity of the access code and causes the storage receptacle to first unlock and then lock after detection of the parcel within the storage receptacle.

A package delivery system for enhanced delivery receivals including a door access panel, a first housing, a controller, a wireless communication interface, a delivery handling device, a second housing, and a transfer device. The door access panel may accept delivery of packages via a passageway that may be formed in a door. The first housing may be attached to the door access panel. The first housing may be in communication with the passageway to house packages delivered through the door access panel. The controller may selectively move the door between the opened position and the closed position. The delivery handling device may be moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The second housing may be carried by the delivery handling device to receive a package from the first housing. The transfer device may move the package from the first housing to the second housing.

The automated package delivery receptacle provides a faster, easier, more delivery-person friendly, and more reliable method of ensuring that packages delivered to unattended locations are not stolen by porch pirates. The receptacle automatically detects any package that is placed on top of it. As soon as the person who delivered the package has departed, the top surface lifts up above the body of the receptacle, rotates to a vertical position, and drops the package into the interior compartment. The top then reverses its motion and returns to its resting horizontal position, locked and ready for another delivery. The receptacle's mechanism does not encroach at all on the receptable's interior compartment space while cycling. It is powered by a 12-volt automobile type battery connected to a motor controller that is programmed to drive a high-speed linear actuator to complete its open/close cycle in less than twenty seconds.

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a receptacle constructed to receive deliveries from a drone. The receptacle can comprise an automatically openable lid; and a wireless receiver that is constructed to receive data concerning a delivery from the drone. The automatically openable lid can open to receive the delivery from the drone.