GB2551909A

GB2551909A - Mobile locker device and method for operating such a mobile locker device

Info

Publication number: GB2551909A
Application number: GB1708711.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hansen Fabienne; Tempelhoff Nicolaas; Cho Hyunil; Abas Kevin; Ulrich Neal; Tran Hieu; Kazanchyan Christofer
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2017-06-01
Filing date: 2017-06-01
Publication date: 2018-01-03
Also published as: GB201708711D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile locker device for delivering/receiving parcels 12, comprising a vehicle 14 with a screen (40, Fig 4) and a locker 18, and an electronic control device 34 for unlocking locker 18. The vehicle 14 may be autonomous such that it can receive a destination signal and drive the vehicle 14 to the destination in response. The screen (40, Fig 4) may be arranged on a door 26, or inside a compartment 20 of the locker 18. The screen (40, Fig 4) may be an LED monitor. The vehicle 14 may be an aerial device, road vehicle or robot. The compartment may also have a plurality of pins (88, Fig 13), movable in relation to each other, to define the inner circumferential shape of the compartment. Also disclosed is a method for operating a mobile locker device.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Mobile locker device and method for operating such a mobile locker device Abstract Title: Vehicle with electronically unlockable locker (57) The present invention relates to a mobile locker device for delivering/receiving parcels 12, comprising a vehicle 14 with a screen (40, Fig 4) and a locker 18, and an electronic control device 34 for unlocking locker 18. The vehicle 14 may be autonomous such that it can receive a destination signal and drive the vehicle 14 to the destination in response. The screen (40, Fig 4) may be arranged on a door 26, or inside a compartment 20 of the locker 18. The screen (40, Fig 4) may be an LED monitor. The vehicle 14 may be an aerial device, road vehicle or robot. The compartment may also have a plurality of pins (88, Fig 13), movable in relation to each other, to define the inner circumferential shape of the compartment. Also disclosed is a method for operating a mobile locker device.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No. GB1708711.5

RTM

Date :8 September 2017

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Bluetooth (page 2)

Wi-Fi (page 2)

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

Mobile Locker Device and Method for Operating such a Mobile Locker Device

The invention relates to a mobile locker device for delivering and/or receiving parcels.

The invention also relates to a method for operating such a mobile locker device.

US 9 244 147 B1 shows a computer-implemented method to automate package deliveries. Furthermore, WO 2017/005437 A1 shows an apparatus and a method for flexibly collecting and/or delivering a shipment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile locker device and a method by means of which a particularly high efficiency in delivering and/or receiving parcels can be realized.

This object is solved by a mobile locker device having the features of patent claim 1 as well as a method having the features of patent claim 8. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a mobile locker device for delivering and/or receiving parcels. The mobile locker device according to the present invention comprises at least one vehicle wherein the vehicle comprises at least one locker. The locker has at least one compartment for receiving at least one of said parcels. The locker further has at least one door which is movable between a closed position and at least one open position. For example, said compartment is bounded by a case, wherein the door is movable, in particular pivotable, in relation to the case between the open position and the closed position. Preferably, the door is at least indirectly movably connected with the case. In the closed position the door covers the compartment. In the open position, the door uncovers the compartment so that at least one of said parcels can be moved into or out of the compartment.

The vehicle further has at least one screen for presenting visual information. Preferably, the screen is configured as an electronic screen configured to emit light thereby presenting said visual information which can comprise at least one picture and/or at least one letter and/or at least one figure. For example, the screen is arranged outside the locker, in particular on a side of the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the screen is part of the locker, i.e. the screen is, for example, arranged in the locker, in particular in the compartment.

The mobile locker device according to the present invention comprises at least one electronic control device of the vehicle. In other words, the electronic control device is part of said vehicle. The electronic control device is configured to receive at least one unlocking signal. For example, the electronic control device is configured to wirelessly receive said unlocking signal so that, for example, the electronic control device can receive the unlocking signal by means of radio technology, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and/or any other wireless data connection. Additionally, the electronic control device is configured to grant access to the compartment on the basis of the unlocking signal. For example, said locker comprises a door lock configured to lock the door in the closed position so that the door cannot be moved out of the closed position in relation to said case. When granting access to the compartment on the basis of unlocking signal, for example, the electronic control device unlocks the door lock of the locker on the basis of the unlocking signal thereby releasing the door of the locker. By unlocking the door lock the door is or can be moved from the closed position to the open position so that, for example, at least one parcel can be moved into or out of the compartment.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is configured to drive at least partially autonomously so that, for example, the vehicle can drive either nonautonomously or at least partially autonomously to a destination.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the electronic control device is configured to receive at least one destination signal indicative of at least one destination. Preferably, the electronic control device is configured to wirelessly receive said destination signal so that, for example, the electronic control unit can receive said destination signal by means of radio technology, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and/or any other wireless data connection. The electronic control unit is also configured to drive the vehicle at least partially autonomously to the destination on the basis of the received destination signal. For example, the vehicle can be driven to the destination by the electronic control device at least partially autonomously.

With a growing trend in e-commerce, last mile delivery processes are becoming increasingly important. At the same time it has also become more inefficient due to increasing complexity. The mobile locker device according to the present invention solves at least the two following problems:

1) One of the biggest challenges logistics companies are facing these days is that parcels, in particular packages cannot be delivered right away, because couriers or drivers do not have access to the respective apartment building or no one is at home. In turn, this means drivers either need to bring the parcel back to the hub, and need to include it again the next day. A delivery company, for instance, has up to three attempts; or couriers leave a note and the customers have to pick up the parcels by themselves at one of their logistics providers’ offices during usual business hours, which causes inconvenience and an unpleasant, time-consuming experience. By using the mobile locker device according to the present invention the courier can easily call the closest mobile locker station, similar map experience as asking where is the next Uber, and then the courier can easily scan their card, for example, invoice purposes.

2) Another problem which can be solved by the mobile locker device according to the present invention is to return parcels or packages. Customers no longer have to go to one specific logistics company. They can rather call the mobile locker device, in particular the vehicle whenever it is convenient for them. They drop the parcels off and the next time the courier is in the area, they could load the parcels into their van, or the autonomous vehicle which is, for example, configured as an autonomous car could drive the parcels to the hub at night. The mobile locker device according to the present invention is also referred to a mobile locker station or Mo-Lee. The mobile locker device according to the present invention is an on-demand solution for parcel delivery and/or parcel receiving in areas where parcels cannot be left at the owner’s door step due to security, legal or logistical concerns.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises at least one locker or one opening to pass through items, each having at least one compartment for receiving at least one parcel, at least one door movable between a closed position and at least one open position, and at least one screen for presenting visual information. Additionally, at least partially, the at least one locker can be controllable in its inner temperature. That means, that the temperature in the at least one compartment of the at least one locker can be adjustable. For example, the plurality of lockers is formed by a locker wall comprising 44 lockers. For example, said vehicle comprises a driver’s cabin, wherein said locker wall is arranged back-to-back behind said driver’s cab. In its autonomous version, the vehicle would no longer require labor-intensive by the operator and also interacts better with its environment creating a better last mile experience. Parcels are loaded into the mobile locker device in one of three ways, for example. A first one of said ways is that the mobile locker device is selected as the initial delivery address, like a PO box. A second one of said ways is when a deliver person places a fail delivery inside of the mobile locker device rather than returning it to the distribution center. The third way is when a customer needs to return a parcel. For example, the mobile locker device according to the present invention is held on-demand to the delivery driver’s or customer’s location via a software application running on, for example, a mobile terminal device. The software application is also referred to as an application or an app, wherein said mobile terminal device can be, for example, a smartphone. When returning a parcel, customers can a select logistics provider who has the nearest mobile locker device. This means, for example, different logistic providers can run a plurality of mobile locker devices respectively. Once the mobile locker device has been summoned, delivery drivers can use an access card to pay for storage in one of the lockers. Customers gain access to the specific locker with their parcel through, for example, a QR code provided in their shipping receipt.

The mobile locker device according to the present invention offers several opportunities to enhance the unique customer experience, starting with a fagade which can be monetized through ad space. When the locker or its door opens, said screen can display text-based messages, videos, and animations from the sender or gift-giver. For example, the screen is arranged inside the compartment at least in the closed position of the door. Preferably, the screen is arranged on, in particular in, the door. For example, the screen is inside the door of the locker.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the screen is configured as an LED screen (LED - Light Emitting Diode).

The mobile locker device can also include the ability of said fagade or an interior space to be used to send personal messages as well as provide other ways of interacting with the environment such as showing messages on the exterior (waiting, loading, driving, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle comprises at least one electric machine configured to drive the vehicle at least partially autonomously so that, for example, the vehicle is configured as a battery electric vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the vehicle is configured as an aerial device, a road vehicle or a robot.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the compartment has an inner circumferential shape which is at least partially defined by a plurality of pins being movable in relation to each other to vary the inner circumferential shape. In other words, by moving the pins in relation to each other, the inner circumferential shape of the compartment can be varied so that the shape can be adapted to outer circumferential forms of the respective parcels to be arranged in the compartment. For example, said pins are retracting pins that can wrap around each parcel, thereby creating a defined storage space for every size-shaped items.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a mobile locker device for delivering and/or receiving parcels. The method according to the present invention comprises a step of providing at least one vehicle of the mobile locker device, the vehicle comprising at least one locker. The at least one locker has at least one compartment for receiving at least one of said parcels, and at least one door movable between a closed position and at least one open position. The door, in the closed position, covers the compartment. Moreover, in the open position, the door uncovers the compartment. Moreover, the at least one locker also has at least one screen for presenting visual information.

The method comprises a second step of receiving at least one parcel in the compartment. The method comprises a third step of receiving, by means of an electronic control device of the vehicle, at least one destination signal indicative of at least one destination. In a fourth step of the method the vehicle is at least partially autonomously driven to the destination on the basis of the received destination signal by means of the electronic control device. In a fifth step of the method at least one unlocking signal is received by means of the electronic control device. The method according to the present invention comprises a sixth step of granting, by means of the electronic control device, access to the compartment on the basis of the unlocking signal. For example, in the sixth step a door lock configured to lock the door in the closed position is unlocked or released so that the door can be opened. Alternatively or additionally, in the sixth step, the door is opened automatically by means of, for example, a motor and/or a spring.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawings show in:

Fig. 1	a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a mobile locker device according to the present invention;
Fig. 2	a schematic and perspective front view of the locker device;
Fig. 3	a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the mobile locker device;
Fig. 4	part of a schematic side view of the mobile locker device according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 5	a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the mobile locker device;
Fig. 6	a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the mobile locker device;
Fig. 7	a schematic view of graphical user interfaces for operating the mobile locker device;
Fig. 8	schematic views of further graphical user interfaces for operating the mobile locker device;
Fig. 9	a schematic view of a further graphical user interface for operating the mobile locker device;
Fig. 10	schematic views of further graphical user interfaces for operating the mobile locker device;

Fig

Fig schematic views of further graphical user interfaces for operating the mobile locker device;

a schematic view of a further graphical user interface for operating the mobile locker device; and a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the mobile locker device.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic and perspective side view a first embodiment of a mobile locker device 10 for delivering and/or receiving parcels, wherein one of said parcels is shown and indicated by 12. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the mobile locker device 10 comprises at least one vehicle 14 configured to drive at least partially autonomously. For example, the vehicle 14 comprises at least one motor configured to drive the vehicle 14 when the vehicle 14 is driven autonomously. For example, the motor is configured as an electric machine. Moreover, the vehicle 14 is configured as a road vehicle.

In the first embodiment the vehicle 14 comprises at least one locker 18 which has at least one compartment 20 for receiving at least the parcel 12. As can be seen from Fig.

1, the compartment 20 is bounded by a case 22 which is, for example, mounted on a body 24 of the vehicle 14. The locker 18 further comprises at least one door 26 having at least two door elements 28. The door elements 28 and thus the door 26 are movable between a closed position and at least one open position shown in Fig. 1. In the open position, the door elements 28 and thus the door 26 cover the compartment 20 so that the parcel 12 cannot fall out of the compartment 20. However, in the open position, the door element 28 and thus the door 26 uncover the compartment 20 so that, for example, the parcel 12 can be moved out of the compartment 20. This is illustrated by a directional arrow 30 in Fig. 1. Moreover, directional arrows 32 illustrate that the door elements 28 are translationally moved away from each other to move the door 26 in the open position. This means the door 26 can be moved in relation to the body 24 between the open position and the closed position. Alternatively, the door elements 28 rotate or pivot between the respective positions.

In order to transport temperature-sensitive products by use of the mobile locker device 10, the at least one locker 18, that means, the at least one compartment 20, can be controllable in its internal temperature. Thus, a temperature-controlled environment in the at least one compartment 20 is realized, so as to temperature-sensitive goods, like pharmaceutic goods and/or grocery to be cooled can be delivered properly. As a result, the temperatures-sensitive goods can be prevented from spoiling during the delivery.

The vehicle and thus the mobile locker device 10 comprise an electronic control device 34 which is configured to receive at least one destination signal indicative of at least one destination. For example, the destination signal is provided by a mobile terminal device 36 (Fig. 10) which can be operated by a user. For example, the user operates the mobile terminal device 36 thereby feeding said destination into the mobile terminal device 36. The destination fed into the mobile terminal device 36 is characterized by said destination signal which is wirelessly provided by the mobile terminal device 36 and wirelessly transmitted to the electronic control device 34. The electronic control device 34 receives wirelessly the destination signal and thus the destination.

Furthermore, the electronic control device 34 is configured to drive the vehicle 14 at least partially autonomously to the destination on the basis of the received destination. For example, the electronic control device 34 comprises a navigation system which calculates a route from a present location of the vehicle 14 to the destination characterized by the destination signal. Then, the vehicle 14 is autonomously driven along the route by means of the electronic control device 34 so that the vehicle 14 travels autonomously from the location to the destination.

For example, at the destination the electronic control device 34 receives at least one unlocking signal. For example, the electronic control device 34 receives the unlocking signal wirelessly. For example, the unlocking signal is wirelessly provided by the mobile terminal device 36 and wirelessly transmitted to the electronic control device 34. The electronic control device 34 wirelessly receives the unlocking signal and, on the basis of the unlocking signal, grants access to the compartment 20. For example, by granting access to the compartment 20, the door 26 is moved from the closed position to the open position by the electronic control device 34. Thus, the user can move the parcel 12 out of the compartment 20 or into the compartment 20. Fig. 2 shows the vehicle 14 parked at a side of a road 38.

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the mobile locker device 10, in particular the vehicle 14, wherein, for example, the vehicle 14 according to the second embodiment is configured as a van. Moreover, in Fig. 2, the door 26 is in its closed position thereby covering and thus not granting access to the compartment 20. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the locker 18 further comprises at least one screen 40. As can be seen from Fig.

4, the locker 18 can comprise a plurality of screens 40 which are configured as electronic screens, in particular LED screens. One of said screens 40 is arranged on one of the door elements 28, wherein the other screen 40 is arranged on the other door element 28.

For example, the respective door element 28 can be pivoted in relation to the body 24 between the respective closed position and the respective open position. The respective screen 40 is arranged on a side 42 of the respective door element 28, wherein, in the closed position, the side 42 faces towards the compartment 20. Thus, in the closed position of the door 26, the respective screen 40 is arranged inside the compartment 20. By opening the door 26, the respective side 42 and thus the respective screen 40 face away from the body 24 towards the surroundings 44 of the vehicle 14. Thus, the respective screen 40 can present visual information to said user standing in front of the compartment 20 whilst the door 26 is open. For example, the respective door element 28 and the body 24 define an angle 46 which can be 40 degrees. Moreover, the compartment 20 can comprise at least one hatch which is angled towards the user standing in front of the compartment 20. Moreover, for example, the locker 18 can comprise at least one floor element 48 on which the parcel 12 can be arranged. When the door 26 is open, the floor element 48 can be translationally moved at least partially into and out of the compartment 20 in relation to the body 24 thereby moving the parcel 12 standing on the floor element 48 at least partially into and out of the compartment 20. This is illustrated by a directional arrow 50 in Fig. 4. For example, the respective screen 40 can present ads and/or personalized messages to the user standing in front of the compartment 20 or the locker 18.

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the mobile locker device 10. In the third embodiment, the vehicle 14 comprises a plurality of compartments 20. For example, each compartment 20 is equipped with an outer illumination device 52 having a light ring 54 extending around the respective compartment 20 and/or the door 26. The light ring 54 can be illuminated thereby illuminating the door 26 and/or the compartment 20.

Moreover, Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the mobile locker device 10 having an aerial device in the form of a drone 56 which can fly in relation to the road vehicle 14.

The vehicle 14 provides a landing place 58 for the drone 56. For example, the drone 56 is configured to move the respective parcel 12 away from and to the vehicle 14 autonomously.

Fig. 7 shows graphical user interfaces by means of which the mobile locker device 10 can be operated. For example, the respective graphical user interface is presented on a screen 60 of the mobile terminal device 36 thereby visually presenting the respective graphical user interface to said user. Preferably, the screen 60 is configured as a touch screen so that the user can operate or interact with the mobile locker device 10 by touching respective areas of the screen 60, said areas of the screen 60 corresponding with respective areas of the respective graphical user interface. Fig. 7 shows a dashboard 62 of already and in-progress deliveries and an area 64 which can be tapped by the user to schedule a pick-up. Moreover, Fig. 7 shows a dashboard 66 which allows to track progress of pending and completed shipments and/or returns. Moreover, Fig. 7 shows an area 68 which can be tapped by the user to scan a printed barcode in order to return a parcel. Moreover, Fig. 7 shows a dashboard 69 of all returns. Moreover, by tapping an area 70 the user can add a new item to return.

Fig. 8 shows graphical user interfaces each showing a map by means of which a current position P of the mobile locker device 10 and a current position D of the user are shown. Moreover, the current map can show nearby mobile locker devices 10. By means of an area 72 the user can request on-location pick-up during roaming hours. Moreover, the area 72 shows that one of said mobile locker devices 10 is hailable during specific time of day, when it is stationary on off-peak hours. Moreover, in an area 74 hailing premium changes depending on length of delivery window and demand are shown.

Moreover, a line 76 shows a current progress of the mobile locker device 10. By tapping an area 78 a unique access code to access the locker 18 of the compartment 20 from an on-vehicle console can be brought up. Moreover an area 80 can show the current location of the mobile locker device 10 during a stationary period. For example, by means of the graphical user interface the user can feed said destination to which the vehicle 14 is to be driven autonomously into the mobile terminal device 36.

Fig. 9 shows in a schematic view a graphical user interface which can be presented on, for example, a display of the vehicle 14. For example, the graphical user interface shows, in an area 82, the name of the user wherein the mobile locker device 10 recognizes the user based on who held the mobile locker device 10 and/or based on phone proximity and/or based on computer vision or facial recognition. For example, at first the mobile locker device 10 is in a standby mode, wherein the mobile locker device 10 comes to life as the user approaches it which can be detected by, for example, proximity sensors and/or computer vision. By tapping an area 84 the locker 18 can be accessed. Moreover, it is possible to show on the display graphical user interfaces instruction instructing how to access the compartment, i.e. open the door 26. For example, returns are schematically dropped into a fold-out bin that drops package into van upon closure.

For example, if the user places an order for another person the user can leave a personal note which will be shown on the respective screen 40. At the same time, the user can choose the color of at least one tile, which, for example, blinks when the locker 18 of the door 26 is opened. For example, said tile is arranged on the outside of the locker 18 and/or inside the compartment 20 and/or on the door 26 and/or on the floor element 48. If said order for said person has been placed, said person which has the name of, for example, Volker is provided with an information informing Volker about the fact that an order has been placed. This is shown in Fig. 10. Volker than can tap on “My Deliveries” and can select “Parcel Delivery” to have said order, i.e. at least one parcel of said order automatically and autonomously delivered by the mobile locker device. If Volker is not interested in picking up the parcel at this point, he can easily switch to the return mode and can choose the carrier he needs to use to return a certain item.

As can be seen from Fig. 11, Volker can feed the destination Volker wishes to have the parcel transported to into his mobile terminal device 36. When the vehicle 14 arrives at the destination specified by Volker a barcode 86 is shown on the screen 60. The electronic control device 34 can scan the barcode 86 which is, for example, said unlocking signal. Having scanned the barcode 86 access to the compartment 20 is granted by, for example, opening the door 26. Thus, Volker can grab the parcel 12 out of the compartment 20.

Another scenario is, for example, that a courier such as a driver cannot deliver a parcel, in particular a package. Thus, the driver will request the mobile locker device 10, scan their card and places the package in the compartment 20. Then, the user such as Volker receives a notification that the package has been placed in the compartment 20. Then, the user sets a pick-up such as a pick-up time and/or pick-up location whenever most convenient. The pick-up location is said destination so that having specified the pick-up location and the pick-up time the vehicle 14 containing said package is driven autonomously to the specified pick-up location in such a way that the vehicle 14 is at the specified pick-up location on the specified pick-up time. Then, the user receives said barcode 86 by means of which the user can access the compartment 20 and grab said package which had been placed in the compartment 20 by said courier.

If the user wishes to return the package or another parcel, the user again specifies a pick-up time and a pick-up location. When the mobile locker device 10 arrives at the pickup location, i.e. the destination, the user again receives the barcode 86 by means of which the user can access the compartment 20, i.e. open the door 26. Then, the user can place the parcel the user wants to return in the compartment 20. Then, for example, the parcel is transported by the vehicle 14 to a specific location and/or the parcel is picked up by a courier.

Fig. 12 shows a graphical user interface by means of which the user can initiate and organize the return of said parcel.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the mobile locker device 10 which comprises a locker 18 with a door 26, wherein the mobile locker device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 14. The door 26 can be arranged in such a way that it is vertically movable, e.g., slidable along a direction which is parallel to a vertical axis of the mobile locker device 10, between its closed position and its open position. That means, only little space in the surroundings 44 is needed to open the door 26 so as to grant access to the compartment 20. Therefore, the mobile locker device 10 can be applicable to deliver the parcel 12 even if the destination is particularly narrow as it is often the case in old towns or historical centers of cities or villages because of house construction on both sides of the street.

The inner circumferential shape of the compartment 20 is at least partially defined by a plurality of pins 88. The pins 88 are movable in relation to each other so as to vary the inner circumferential shape of the compartment 20. In other words, each of the pins 88 can be selectively retractable and/or extendable in order to form a defined storage space for every parcel 12. By means of the retractable and/or extendable pins 88 it is possible to secure every parcel 12 inside the compartment 20 so that the parcel 12 is stored tightly in the compartment 20 even if the mobile locker device 10 has to carry out a sudden driving maneuver, e.g., an emergency braking or cornering.

List of reference signs mobile locker device parcel vehicle locker compartment case body door door element directional arrow directional arrow electronic control device mobile terminal device road screen side surroundings angle floor element directional arrow illumination system light ring drone landing place screen dashboard area dashboard dashboard dashboard area area area line area area area area barcode pins position position

Claims

1. A mobile locker device (10) for delivering and/or receiving parcels (12), the mobile locker device (10) comprising:

- at least one vehicle (14) comprising at least one screen (40) for presenting visual information, and at least one locker (18) having:

o at least one compartment (20) for receiving at least one of the parcels (12); and o at least one door (26) movable between a closed position and at least one open position, the door (26), in the closed position, covering the compartment (20) and, in the open position, uncovering the compartment (20); and

- an electronic control device (34) of the vehicle (14), the electronic control device (34) being configured to:

o receive at least one unlocking signal; and o grant access to the compartment (20) on the basis of the unlocking signal.

2. The mobile locker device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle (14) is configured to drive at least partially autonomously.

3. The mobile locker device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic control device (34) is configured to:

- receive at least one destination signal indicative of at least one destination; and

- drive the vehicle (14) to the destination on the basis of the received destination signal;

4. The mobile locker device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (40) is arranged inside the compartment (20) at least in the closed position of the door (26).

5. The mobile locker device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (40) is arranged on the door (26).

6. The mobile locker device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (40) is configured as an LED screen.

7. The mobile locker device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (14) comprises at least one electric machine configured to drive the vehicle (14) at least partially autonomously.

8. The mobile locker device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (14) is configured as an aerial device, a road vehicle or a robot.

9. The mobile locker device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compartment has an inner circumferential shape which is at least partially defined by a plurality of pins (88) being movable in relation to each other to vary the inner circumferential shape.

10. A method for operating a mobile locker device (10) for delivering and/or receiving parcels (12), the method comprising:

- providing at least one vehicle (14) of the mobile locker device (10), the vehicle (14) comprising at least one screen (40) for presenting visual information, and at least one locker (18) having:

o at least one compartment (20) for receiving at least one of the parcels (12); and o at least one door (26) movable between a closed position and at least one open position, the door (26), in the closed position, covering the compartment (20) and, in the open position, uncovering the compartment (20);

- receiving at least one parcel (12) in the compartment (20);

receiving, by means of the electronic control device (34), at least one unlocking signal; and granting, by means of the electronic control device (34), access to the compartment (20) on the basis of the unlocking signal.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1708711.5 Examiner: Mr Alex Gillam