IDU Smartbox Promo
The Brief
IDU Group asked Humanoid to produce a video showcasing their intelligent drone delivery receptacle, Smartbox. The purpose of the video was to streamline their sales pitch and make it easier for potential investors to understand how the product works.
The Solution
Humanoid combined live action footage, CG animation and visual effects to illustrate how Smartbox integration could facilitate a seamless drone delivery service.
The Result
The completed video supported IDU in securing their next round of funding. It has since spearheaded their presentations to some of the largest players in the developing drone delivery industry.
Humanoid has taken to the skies, producing a promotional video for IDU’s new Smartbox delivery hatch.
Start-up IDU Group have developed an innovative smart delivery hatch. Their goal is to build the technology into homes to allow parcels to be delivered by drones safely. At present the Smartbox is in its prototype phase with manufacturing set to begin next year.
IDU approached Humanoid to produce an engaging video to replace their current sales presentation. They explained that their greatest challenge was trying to clearly communicate the problem of last mile logistics and the hurdles of drone delivery. Talking through the background could be long-winded and potential investors were struggling to understand and retain the information. For that reason, the video needed to be concise and impactful, but above all engrossing to watch. IDU also wanted the final video to feel epic, matching the company’s grand ambitions.
Humanoid worked with a professional copywriter to produce a voiceover script and developed a detailed shot-by-shot storyboard. Once signed off, the production team set to work filming several live action sequences across North Staffordshire using a combination of action cameras, DSLR’s and Canon C300’s. In addition to this, aerial shots were captured using a DJI Inspire 2 drone shot in uncompressed 4K to aid with visual effects.
In post-production the footage was combined with 2D and 3D graphics and animations. The visual effects team also seamlessly tracked 3D visualisations of the product and drone into the footage to illustrate how the delivery service could operate.
“It was fascinating to see how drone technology is revolutionising the delivery industry. We didn’t have access to a real-world prototype, so we chose to use visual effects to create a visual example of how the Smartbox could work in the real world.
As one of the first ever video production companies granted permission to legally operate drones, we can’t wait to receive our first airborne delivery! “
–Martyn Lomax, Humanoid’s Managing Director
The final video has made a big impression and helped IDU secure further funding to continue developing the technology. Since the release of the video, the project has also attracted attention from several news organisations, including the Evening Standard and Urban Air Mobility News. Due to the video’s success, IDU have subsequently asked Humanoid to work on their next major video campaign.
