Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an AirBox constructed to receive deliveries from a drone. The AirBox 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.

Embodiments of a system and method for using a mobile device to assist with the efficient and secure delivery of item. The mobile device can assist an item deliver to lock or unlock secure item delivery receptacles. The mobile device can also notify an item deliverer about particular delivery conditions associated with particular delivery endpoints. The mobile device can further help the item deliverer to determine whether or not he or she is delivering the item to the correct location.

Disclosed herein is a shipping container that includes numerous multi-factor authentication (MFA) tie ins to provide added security to the container. In some embodiments, the shipping container is associated with a mobile user profiles within a mobile application. A retailer makes a sale, then, using a mobile application, associates the container with the destination address and the MFA details associated with the buyer's mobile application account. Once the container is loaded up, the container will not open again except for the buyer using the buyer's MFA authentication credentials.

A locker system for shipment delivery and pick-up comprising: a remote shipping system, a long distance communication network, and a locker bank communicating with the remote shipping system via the long distance communication network and comprising a processor with a digital storage and a series of single shipment compartments equipped with doors electronically controlled by the processor, a drop compartment comprising an aperture for shipment drop-offs and whose access is protected by a rotating locking protection electronically controlled by the processor, and a locking collection door electronically controlled by the processor and protecting access to the drop compartment, the rotating locking protection and locking collection door being in the same vertical plane as the doors of the single shipment compartments.

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.

A locking and release system of a lock fitted on a vehicle comprising: a mechanical lock (10, 70) which is fixed on a door of a vehicle; an electronic circuit (11) associated with said lock (10, 70); said electronic circuit (11) comprises a Bluetooth communication device (13); an Internet communication device (14); a GPS localization device (15); said system further comprises: a cloud (30) containing the data for the management of said system; a management centre (35) of said system; said management centre (35) is adapted to communicate with said cloud (30); a smartphone (21); said smartphone (21) comprises a Bluetooth communication device (22); an HTTPS communication device (23); and a GPS localization device (24); said electronic circuit (11) and said smartphone (21) are adapted to communicate with said cloud (30); said smartphone (21) is adapted to communicate with said electronic circuit (11); said lock (10, 70) opens if the following conditions are met: the GPS position of the lock (10, 70) coincides with the delivery position; the GPS position of the smartphone (21) coincides with the delivery position; said smartphone (21) is recognized by the system; said lock comprises coupling means (56, 74), located on a first door adapted to close against closing means (59, 71) located on a second door and locking means (60, 78) adapted to lock said coupling means (56, 74) in the closed position.

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

A lockbox and parcel management system is implemented in which a lockbox having multiple compartments is controllable via an access device that locks and unlocks respective compartments upon receiving a proper access code input. A user may place an order with an e-commerce service using an e-commerce application or website. The e-commerce service, upon receiving the order, may transmit order information to a lockbox remote service which can communicate with a user device associated with the user who placed the order, the access device for the lockbox, and a deliverer's device from the delivery company. The lockbox remote service or authorized user/owner may set access codes for the deliverer to open and place a parcel in a lockbox's compartment for safe and secure storage until the user arrives home.

A method includes transmitting, by a handler device associated with a package handler, a message to an access control system requesting access to a secure container secured by an electronic lock mechanism; determining, by the access control system, whether the package handler is authorized to access the secure container based on the received message; transmitting, by the access control system, an unlock command to the secure container in response to a determination that the package handler is authorized to access the secure container; and unlocking the electronic lock mechanism of the secure container in response to successful authentication of the unlock command.

A locking system and method for a movable freight container door comprises an electronic module and a mechanical lock element. The mechanical lock element comprises a shaft, at least of portion of which is configured to be inserted through an aperture in the electronic module, across a door handle retention region, and into a cavity in the electronic module. The shaft is securely retained in the electronic module by moving a lock mechanism to a locked position. At least one magnetic field sensor in the electronic module is used to read the position of the shaft in the cavity by sensing or not sensing one or more magnets in the shaft. A wireless communication component in the electronic module wirelessly transmits magnetic field sensor information.