MIT MBAs Invent Virtual New York City-Style Doorman

Three enterprising grads from MIT's Sloan School of Management have put their heads together to address the "last-inch" problem of the overnight package delivery revolution: how to get a package inside the locked doors confronting most delivery service agents.  

The MBAs, Jorge Calzada, Filippo Beretta, and Thomas Neal, have invented what amounts to an Internet-enabled storage locker that can be placed in placed in the lobby of a residential or office building. The system, called easyQube, can be opened with a smart card and notify users via e-mail that they have a package waiting.

The service, developed by Cambridge, Mass.-based IdentiCert, is in a pilot stage. Eventually, its developers hope to configure the devices so users can even leave and pick up dry cleaning and laundry.

"We're trying to bring the quintessential New York City doorman to the masses, but at a small fraction of the price," said Jorge Calzada, IdentiCert's co-founder and vice president for sales who noted that in 2005 alone there were about 800 million missed residential deliveries recorded by the leading shipping services.

"We wondered why it was so difficult to get things you ordered," said Calzada. "With all the work that's gone into making e-commerce a more pleasant experience, there had been little focus on the most important part--which is actually getting the product in people's hands."

Read More:

About the Author

Paul McCloskey is contributing editor of Syllabus.

Featured

  •  black graduation cap with a glowing blue AI brain circuit symbol on top

    Report: AI Is a Must for Modern Learners

    A new report from VitalSource identifies a growing demand among learners for AI tools, declaring that "AI isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must."

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    Researchers: AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as organizations adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers suggested that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • illustration of a football stadium with helmet on the left and laptop with ed tech icons on the right

    The 2025 NFL Draft and Ed Tech Selection: A Strategic Parallel

    In the fast-evolving landscape of collegiate football, the NFL, and higher education, one might not immediately draw connections between the 2025 NFL Draft and the selection of proper educational technology for a college campus. However, upon closer examination, both processes share striking similarities: a rigorous assessment of needs, long-term strategic impact, talent or tool evaluation, financial considerations, and adaptability to a dynamic future.

  • young woman using a smartphone, with digital AI and chat icons overlaid in a blurred academic setting

    Duolingo Embraces AI in Push for Scalable Learning

    Learning platform Duolingo has officially declared itself "AI-first," aiming to make learning replicable, scalable, and always available.