In 2016, parcels are to be delivered in a futuristic style by the Australian Post. Also, they will offer 3D printing services. 

The trial of using drones will begin next year and it has been promised that this is not a gimmick – the company have already begun testing deliveries using the technology which caused a stir thanks to Amazon in 2013.

Chief executive Ahmed Fahour told AFR Weekend: “We’ve been talking to a major customer, an e-tailer, who would like to particularly deliver to regional and rural communities. How do you get the parcel they’ve bought  street to their home? We’re focused on convenience. So we’re going to trial in 2016 with a major customer.”

3D Printers At Post Offices

Another of the new innovations to be brought into the Australian Postal service is to have 3D printers available at Post Offices. The Americans have shown that 3D printing can bring production closer to consumption, and lead to a rise in local shipping.

The Australian Postal Service may do well from following the advances made by the Americans as seen before on All3DP.

“Some things you want, like household items, could be printed right there and then rather than waiting for it,” Mr Fahour said. “This is the new world, the technological revolution as opposed to the industrial revolution.”

Other technological advances from the Australian Postal service include their app My Post – which has 2 million Australians already signed up – and on Friday, the launch of a $20 million innovation capital fund. This fund is expected to grow to $100 million and will run in conjunction with the University of Melbourne.

These new innovative steps were caused by the fact that Australia Post has suffered setbacks with a decline in their letter business in the last seven years.

“If we only do what we have been doing recently, then as the letter goes down, the usage, then so do we,” he said.”And that’s not our job. As Australian’s migrate and become more digitally aware, we want to change with them.”