ATLANTA's United Parcel Service is expanding a keyless-entry system for package deliveries into apartment buildings after a successful test in New York and San Francisco, reports Bloomberg.
The system, which involves drivers being able to enter blocks of flats, but not individual apartments, will roll out mid-2019, UPS said in a statement.
UPS will use a remote-access lock made by New York-based Latch, in which a code is sent to a pre-credentialed UPS driver's handheld computer, allowing entry into a high-rise building.
UPS worked with Latch because of technology that enables the system to work without an internet connection, said UPS product development chief Derek Banta.
Amazon.com introduced a smart lock in 2017 that lets its delivery people into a customer's home to leave a package. Amazon also acquired smart-doorbell start-up Ring for about US$1 billion last year, boosting its presence in homes.
This year, Amazon expanded its keyless entry service to businesses, including apartment and commercial buildings.
WORLD SHIPPING
The system, which involves drivers being able to enter blocks of flats, but not individual apartments, will roll out mid-2019, UPS said in a statement.
UPS will use a remote-access lock made by New York-based Latch, in which a code is sent to a pre-credentialed UPS driver's handheld computer, allowing entry into a high-rise building.
UPS worked with Latch because of technology that enables the system to work without an internet connection, said UPS product development chief Derek Banta.
Amazon.com introduced a smart lock in 2017 that lets its delivery people into a customer's home to leave a package. Amazon also acquired smart-doorbell start-up Ring for about US$1 billion last year, boosting its presence in homes.
This year, Amazon expanded its keyless entry service to businesses, including apartment and commercial buildings.
WORLD SHIPPING