As e-commerce continues to grow, fulfillment centers are under increasing pressure to move packages faster than traditional delivery methods can support. To help close this gap, advanced logistics operations are beginning to deploy autonomous drones that launch directly from fulfillment facilities and travel to doorstep delivery locations, reducing delivery time while expanding last-mile coverage. Managing multiple drones at once requires reliable on-site computing systems to track flight status, maintain communication, and ensure safe coordination throughout each delivery route. To support this, Premio’s RCO-1000-ASL-20 super-rugged fanless mini computer was deployed inside the fulfillment center as a local control platform for coordinating drone operations in a demanding logistics environment.
Challenges
- Real-time coordination of multiple delivery drones from a single system
- Stable high-speed network communication between drone control platforms and fulfillment infrastructure
- Scalable I/O expansion for evolving automation infrastructure
- Reliable wireless connectivity across large indoor fulfillment center coverage areas
- Operation in demanding industrial environments requiring certified rugged computing platforms
Solutions
- Premio’s x86 super-rugged fanless mini computer (RCO-1000-ASL-20)
- Intel Atom x7000RE series processor for efficient multi-drone coordination performance
- Comprehensive onboard I/O including dual LAN, USB 3.2, serial, CAN, and dual display interfaces for facility integration
- EDGEBoost I/O expansion technology enabling additional COM and DP with isolated DIO
- WiFi and 5G module support for flexible wireless connectivity
- MIL-STD-810H compliant and UL Listed for reliable operation in rugged environments
Benefits
- NDAA and TAA compliant platform aligned with enterprise and government procurement standards
- Los Angeles based engineering support enabling faster deployment and integration assistance
Company Overview
The company is a global leader in e-commerce and logistics, operating one of the largest fulfillment and distribution networks in the world. Its facilities rely heavily on automation, robotics, and advanced control systems to move large volumes of packages quickly and efficiently across regional and last-mile delivery operations. As part of its long-term strategy, the organization continues investing in autonomous delivery technologies and intelligent warehouse infrastructure aimed at improving operational efficiency while reducing energy consumption across its logistics network.
The Challenges
Real-Time Coordination of Multiple Delivery Drones from a Single System
To support drone-based package delivery directly from the fulfillment center to doorstep delivery locations, the company needed a reliable computing platform to manage flight coordination on site. Each system was responsible for monitoring location, tracking delivery progress, and maintaining communication with up to four drones operating at the same time after dispatch from the warehouse. This created a requirement for a multi-core processor capable of handling several drone control tasks simultaneously while maintaining stable system performance.
Stable High-Speed Network Communication Between Drone Systems and Fulfillment Infrastructure
Inside the fulfillment center, the industrial PCs needed to connect directly with existing control infrastructure supporting drone coordination and delivery operations. This required reliable high-speed I/O interfaces to maintain stable communication between the drone management system and facility networks during active missions. Support for connectivity options such as LAN, high-speed USB, COM, and independent display outputs was essential for seamless integration.
Scalable I/O Expansion for Evolving Automation Needs
In addition to standard onboard interfaces, the company required industrial PCs that could support additional I/O expansion to accommodate future integration needs as fulfillment infrastructure continues to evolve. For example, the system needed flexibility to support additional serial devices, automation control signals, and monitoring displays as drone coordination workflows expanded over time.
Reliable Wireless Connectivity Across Large Indoor Fulfillment Center Coverage Areas
As drones moved between staging areas and dispatch zones prior to delivery, the company required reliable wireless connectivity such as WiFi and 5G to maintain continuous coordination with the control system. Stable coverage across large indoor fulfillment spaces was important to prevent interruptions during active delivery preparation and routing.
Industrial Certification Requirements for Fulfillment Center Deployment
Industrial PCs deployed inside the fulfillment center needed to operate reliably around moving equipment and dense automation. Because these systems were intended for continuous use in an active logistics environment, they also needed to meet recognized industrial certification requirements such as UL listing to ensure safe deployment.
The Solution
Premio’s x86 super-rugged fanless mini computer (RCO-1000-ASL-20)
After careful assessment, Premio’s RCO-1000-ASL series was selected for deployment inside the fulfillment center due to its rugged design and flexible expansion capability. The solution supports a wide operating temperature range from -40°C to 70°C and features a fanless, cableless thermal design with built-in power protection such as OVP and OCP for reliable operation in demanding environments. The RCO-1000-ASL series includes the RCO-1000-ASL-10, RCO-1000-ASL-20, and RCO-1000-ASL-30 models supporting one, two, and three EDGEBoost I/O expansion brackets respectively. Across the series, the solution supports Intel Atom x7000RE processors with up to 32GB of DDR5 memory, a 2.5 inch SATA storage bay, and rich wired and wireless connectivity. Additional features such as power ignition control, CAN bus communication, and out-of-band management support deployments that require remote monitoring or vehicle integration.
Intel Atom x7000RE Series Processor
The RCO-1000-ASL series is powered by Intel Atom x7433RE and x7835RE processors designed for compact industrial edge systems. The x7433RE provides a 4-core low-power option at 9 W, while the x7835RE offers an 8-core version at 12 W for deployments that need additional processing capacity, both with support for DDR5 memory and extended temperature operation. Together, these processor options gave each system enough performance to manage multiple drones at the same time and keep delivery coordination running smoothly.
Comprehensive Onboard I/O for Facility Integration
The RCO-1000-ASL series provided a broad set of onboard I/O required for integration inside the fulfillment center. This included dual 2.5GbE LAN, USB 3.2, RS-232/422/485 serial ports, and both DisplayPort and HDMI for dual display connectivity. These interfaces allowed the system to connect directly with facility control equipment, monitoring displays, and communication infrastructure used throughout drone coordination workflows.
EDGEBoost I/O Expansion Technology
Premio’s EDGEBoost I/O expansion technology allowed the RCO-1000-ASL series to add extra interfaces through modular expansion brackets based on the needs of the deployment. Available modules include options such as 2-port COM, 4-port USB expansion, and DisplayPort or HDMI with isolated DIO for connecting automation signals. In this deployment, the RCO-1000-ASL-20 used two EDGEBoost I/O brackets configured with additional COM ports and a DisplayPort module with isolated DIO to support facility control signals and monitoring displays used for drone coordination.
WiFi and 5G Module Support
As drones moved between staging areas and dispatch points inside the fulfillment center, reliable wireless connectivity was needed to maintain coordination during delivery preparation. The RCO-1000-ASL series supports WiFi and Bluetooth through an M.2 E-key, with 5G available through an M.2 B-key and dual external SIM sockets for wider facility coverage.
MIL-STD-810H Compliance and UL Listing
The RCO-1000-ASL series is compliant with MIL-STD-810H for shock and vibration resistance, supporting reliable operation in fulfillment centers with continuous automation and moving equipment. It is also UL listed, allowing the system to be deployed safely within existing facility infrastructure.
The Benefits
NDAA and TAA Compliance for Regulated Deployments
Premio’s products are manufactured in Taiwan and assembled in the United States, meeting NDAA and TAA compliance requirements for deployment in regulated environments. This supports supply chain transparency during integration into large fulfillment center operations and helps simplify internal approval when sourcing requirements are part of the deployment process.
Los Angeles Based Engineering Support
With its headquarters in Los Angeles, Premio was able to provide direct engineering support during system integration and deployment. This made it easier to coordinate technical requirements and respond quickly to changes inside the fulfillment center environment.
Conclusion
By deploying the RCO-1000-ASL-20 inside the fulfillment center environment, the e-commerce leader was able to support reliable coordination of multiple delivery drones as part of its evolving last-mile delivery strategy. The solution’s rugged fanless design, flexible I/O expansion, and wireless connectivity allowed it to integrate smoothly with existing automation infrastructure while maintaining stable operation during daily logistics workflows. Close collaboration with Premio’s Los Angeles–based engineering team also helped ensure a smooth deployment and provided a strong foundation for continued expansion of autonomous delivery operations.
To learn more about the RCO-1000-ASL series, contact Premio’s product experts at sales@premioinc.com.