Utilization of Aerial Drone Technology in Logistics

Abstract

In order to create a supply chain that is both economically and ecologically sustainable and complies with contemporary standards, the logistics chain must be modernized and should rely on new technology. In this article, the authors will attempt to elaborate the development direction of delivery systems through examples of technology-oriented companies such as Amazon, focusing on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for delivering smaller packages within urban and suburban environments. The main goal of using drones in urban logistics is to reduce the burden on city roads and the use of road vehicles that generate the highest gaseous emissions footprint. The use of drones has proven to be extremely flexible and useful in port logistics as well, eliminating the need to send supply vessels into rough seas or putting people in danger during exhaust emission control. However, drones are a relatively new technology, and they have their own limitations, which are still being discovered. The main constraints of the devices themselves are power sources and the power of the aircraft, which currently and likely in the future won’t be able to transport heavier commercial loads. Increased use leads to congestion in airspace, posing risks to other modes of transportation such as road or air. Research shows that the current use of drones mainly revolves around test flights or limited applications within a regulated environment.