Froyo drone delivery relies on Pop-Up-Party box

Students at Hope College in Holland, MI, were recently treated to Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt delivered by drone. In a test-pilot program titled “Project Flying Orange Unicorn,” Orange Leaf’s Holland franchisee sent 30 cups of froyo six blocks through the air from its store to the campus via a manned Matrice 600 Hexacopter drone from Chinese-based DJI.

“Orange Leaf is continually looking for good ideas from its franchisees and loves to bring new ideas to market from our dedicated employees and franchise partners,” says Karen Porter, Vice President of Marketing, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt. “In summer 2016, drone delivery was suggested by franchisee Jeremy Latchaw, who is also president of a Holland, Michigan, drone dealership and unmanned vehicle consulting service called Mishigami Group.”

Latchaw, who also owns another Orange Leaf store in Grandville, MI, says the Matrice 600 can carry up to 30 lb and features a 5-ft wingspan and six propellers—“perfect for Orange Leaf’s froyo delivery,” he says. In accordance with FAA guidelines, the drone cannot fly higher than 400 ft or more than 20 mph. The drone also has return-to-base technology, where if the pilot loses communication with the drone, it will return to the place it took off from. “Furthermore, current restrictions require pilots to maintain line of sight of the aircraft, unless they have a waiver from the FAA,” Latchaw says.

To package the froyo for delivery by drone, Orange Leaf used its Pop-Up-Party box—created for 12, 25, or 50 cups of frozen yogurt for events—with some modifications. The drone delivery box holds 30 cups of froyo and toppings. “We hard-freeze the frozen yogurt and cover it with an ice blanket for delivery,” explains Latchaw. “The packaging system fits perfectly under the drone with a modified rack and securing system.”