Secure Automated Delivery of Critical Goods with RFID-Based Tracking and Authentication

Abstract

The objective of the project summarized in this paper is to address both the problem of autonomous secure goods delivery to multiple destinations in one trip, while maintaining a complete log of events and transactions. This is particularly important when critical goods are delivered to remote rural areas. Moreover., the project addresses the problem in a holistic fashion., taking into account the necessity of tracking each item carried and/or delivered., and of logging the time and location of delivery., in addition to measures for securing the carried goods (protection from loss or theft)., and the delivery device itself (protection from attack., damage., or theft). The system described in this paper is composed of an autonomous robot., application., RFID reader., and RFID tags attached to the items to be delivered. The tag will be read by the reader until it is removed from the robot. After the object is removed from the robot., the reader will determine whether the GPS location matches the location to which it should be delivered; if so., the user and administrator will receive notification that the delivery was successful., and the database will be updated. Otherwise, an alert will be sent to the user's mobile app and the reader on the robot to return the item. If the item is not returned., an alert is sent., and the order is marked as mis-delivered. Later on., all mis-delivered items will be handled by the administrator who will take appropriate action.