Amazon Tests “Porch Cannon” for Lawn-Conscious Shipping
Amazon has announced a new delivery system called BLAST (Ballistic Logistics Advanced Shipment Targeting), designed to reduce driver interaction with customer property by launching packages via roof-mounted “porch cannons.”
SEATTLE, WA — Following a recent incident in which an Amazon Flex driver drove through a front yard to reach a porch, Amazon confirmed Monday it would prioritize reducing the impact its delivery drivers have on customer property.
The company announced its newest efficiency upgrade: the Ballistic Logistics Advanced Shipment Targeting system (BLAST), a “revolutionary leap forward” in what it described as lawn-conscious fulfillment.
Under the system, non-fragile items—like dog food, bulk socks, and laundry soap—will now be encased in military-grade, foam launchable pods. The foam pods use a honeycomb structure designed to withstand launch forces while providing a cushioned landing and protecting contents. The recyclable pods are also made from a biodegradable corn byproduct that dissolves when exposed to water.
Instead of walking across your yard, drivers will load roof-mounted, smart cannons. With real-time targeting and obstacle avoidance, the BLAST system scans the property. If the thermal imaging software detects no humans, pets, or stray cats, the cannon determines the Parcel Assigned Destination (PAD), then fires your up to 5 pound order directly to your front door.
“We are committed to respecting property lines,” said Amazon Vice President of Ballistic Fulfillment. “This allows us to dramatically reduce unnecessary walking, and improve safety. Once drivers become accustomed to using BLAST, delivery times will decrease exponentially. A package flying at 45 miles per hour is just more efficient than having to walk back and forth across a large suburban yard.”
Boasting a 92% accuracy rate, the pilot program is scheduled to launch next month.
One thing’s for sure, Delivery Day is going to be 100% fun.
The company announced its newest efficiency upgrade: the Ballistic Logistics Advanced Shipment Targeting system (BLAST), a “revolutionary leap forward” in what it described as lawn-conscious fulfillment.
Under the system, non-fragile items—like dog food, bulk socks, and laundry soap—will now be encased in military-grade, foam launchable pods. The foam pods use a honeycomb structure designed to withstand launch forces while providing a cushioned landing and protecting contents. The recyclable pods are also made from a biodegradable corn byproduct that dissolves when exposed to water.
Instead of walking across your yard, drivers will load roof-mounted, smart cannons. With real-time targeting and obstacle avoidance, the BLAST system scans the property. If the thermal imaging software detects no humans, pets, or stray cats, the cannon determines the Parcel Assigned Destination (PAD), then fires your up to 5 pound order directly to your front door.
“We are committed to respecting property lines,” said Amazon Vice President of Ballistic Fulfillment. “This allows us to dramatically reduce unnecessary walking, and improve safety. Once drivers become accustomed to using BLAST, delivery times will decrease exponentially. A package flying at 45 miles per hour is just more efficient than having to walk back and forth across a large suburban yard.”
Boasting a 92% accuracy rate, the pilot program is scheduled to launch next month.
One thing’s for sure, Delivery Day is going to be 100% fun.
