Matternet's mission is to enable organizations around the world to build and operate drone logistics networks for transporting goods on demand, through the air, at a fraction of cost. The experiment with Mercedes Benz uses drones to shuttle parcels of up to four pounds from a distribution center to vans—at least, when they’re parked at one of four rendezvous points around the city. The vans have a special landing zone on their roof, which allows the drone to set down and drop off its payload. The driver of the vehicle is then tasked with actually delivering the package to a customer. The idea is to help e-tailers provide on-demand delivery for customers without the need for more vehicles and drivers, or return trips to a distribution center. The approach also neatly sidesteps the issue of having customers interact with drones at their front door, which remains a thorny problem for those wanting to make drone deliveries commonplace.