Infrastructure

Overview

Here we discuss the physical, electrical, mechanical and information systems that make localnet work:

• the IT Systems linking users with staff, vehicles, buildings and boxes
• the LocalHub where vans are loaded and unloaded. It also contains shops, a library, a coffee shop and is a major bus and/or train stop. Outside, electric cars can be hired by the hour.">LocalHub building and its contents that serve a neighbourhood
• the box handling systems that distribute, fill, empty, sort and clean the delivery boxes
• the power systems for charging the vehicles and running theLocalHub.

IT Systems

Localnet is only possible now that wireless communication is almost ubiquitous and that most of the adult population is comfortable using browsers. Even so, we have to design the system so that the computerphobes among us are still able to use it. The sub-systems that work together via the internet are:

• the customer interface - typically via browser or smartphone application
• the systems carried and used by delivery staff as they visit properties
• the systems built into the vehicles carrying the boxes and people
• embedded systems in each and every DeliveryPoint 
• the central system at the LocalHub  - including routing, scheduling and billing

 

LocalHub Systems

Every localnet delivery area is served by a LocalHub - which is the successor to the village shop, post office, baker, butcher and pub all in one. This section describes:

• the building - somewhat larger than the village shop!
• the drive-through loading and unloading system that operates out of sight behind it.
• the core of the building where boxes are processed
• the visible ”mall” section where locals meet, work, shop and hang out
• the surroundings where numerous small businesses thrive thanks to their proximity to the hub.

 

Box Handling

Although, in the early stages, much of the filling, sorting and routing of boxes will be manual, ultimately localnet will benefit from and extend the automated handling systems already in use by the likes of Amazon and other major internet retailers. The technology they use in giant warehouses can be adapted for use with the reusable containers of localnet. Here we discuss the mechanical systems for:

• sorting boxes into OmniPods for delivery and back into the LocalHub for refilling
• filling boxes with everything from dog food to newspapers
• emptying boxes of returned goods, outgoing items, recyclables and refuse
• cleaning boxes before they are refilled and sent out again
• distribution points where containers of boxes are held for delivery vans to collect

 

Power

None of these systems will do anything without electricity. This section discusses the various power systems used - which include:

• vehicle charging systems using BatteryBoxes that power vans and cars alike
• renewable energy collected at the LocalHub 
• fallback sources which needn't just be diesel generators.