In the modern world, logistics is a key industry that ensures efficient transportation of goods from manufacturers to consumers. Over the last few years, drones have become quite popular among logistics companies. The use of drones in logistics can significantly improve logistics processes and reduce costs of transporting goods.
Advantages of using drones in logistics:
1.Reduction of transportation costs is one of the main advantages of using drones. Compared to traditional means of transportation, drones require less fuel and maintenance. They can also easily bypass traffic, allowing for faster and more efficient delivery of goods.
2.Speed and accuracy. Drones can deliver goods much faster than traditional transportation vehicles such as cars or trains [1]. They can also make deliveries without errors, which significantly reduces the number of delays and costs associated with repeat deliveries.
3.Minimal impact on the environment. The use of drones in logistics has a minimal impact on the environment as they work on electricity and do not emit waste into the atmosphere after storing and transporting goods. In a study conducted by Sorbonne University, it was found that the use of drones in logistics can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 22.4% compared to traditional delivery methods.
4.Reduced risks for people. The use of drones in logistics significantly reduces risks for people involved in transporting goods, as there is no need to use human resources for the delivery of goods.
5.Improved customer service. Using drones can enhance customer service by delivering goods directly to customers' doors, reducing times waiting and increasing customer satisfaction.
6.Ability to deliver fragile goods. Drones can be used to transport fragile goods that may be difficult to transport using traditional means. Some studies suggest that drones can be used to deliver urgent medical supplies such as medicines and blood to remote or inaccessible areas [2]. For example, Zipline uses drones to deliver blood and medical supplies to remote hospitals in Africa.
7.Expanded delivery geography. Drones can be used to deliver goods to remote and hard-to-reach locations that may be difficult to access using traditional transportation. A study conducted in India showed that using drones for delivery can provide access to services and goods for residents of remote areas [3].
Considering all of these advantages, the use of drones in logistics is expected to become increasingly popular. Many companies have already started using drones for delivery, and some are even creating specialized departments to develop innovative drone logistics solutions. For example, since 2013 Amazon has successfully been using drones to deliver goods weighing up to 2.3 kg within 30 minutes in some regions, including the UK and the US. In 2016 DHL tested the use of drones to deliver medical supplies over short distances in Germany, which proved to be effective and reduced delivery time. Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (the parent company of Google), launched a drone delivery program in Australia in 2019. Wing drones deliver food, drinks, and other items from local partner stores directly to homes or workplaces. However, it is important to note that the use of drones in logistics requires significant investment in equipment, software, and personnel training. For example, the cost of drones and their equipment can be substantial, which may result in higher delivery service costs.
It is also necessary to consider the technical characteristics of drones, including their speed and maximum payload capacity. If drones are to be used for delivering large shipments, they will need to be replaced with larger models, which may result in additional costs for their purchase and maintenance.
In addition, it is important to consider the legal aspects of drone use, including compliance with laws regarding airspace safety and adherence to traffic rules. It is also necessary to consider potential risks and threats associated with drone use, such as: the possibility of cargo theft or loss of control over the drone.
Therefore, determining the effectiveness of using drones in logistics requires a comprehensive study of economic, technical, and legal aspects. However, considering the potential advantages and growing popularity of drone logistics, it can be argued that this direction has great potential in the future.
References:
1.Viktorova, Zh. Analysis of the effectiveness of using drones in logistics // Bulletin of Lviv Polytechnic National University. Series: Information Systems and Networks. - 2020. - No. 876.
2.N. Koshta, Y. Devi, S. Patra “Aerial Bots in the Supply Chain: A New Ally to Combat COVID-19”. – 2021. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160791X21001214?via%3Dihub#sec1
3.A. Rejeb, K. Rejeb, S. Simske, H. Treiblmaier “Drones for supply chain management and logistics: a review and research agenda” // International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2021.
4.The potential impact of delivery drones in the australian capital territory, a report by AlphaBeta, for Wing, 2018. URL: https://wing.com/resource-hub/articles/act-report/
5."Analysis and optimization of drone delivery logistics networks: A review and future research directions" // "Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review", 2022.
6.M. Denysenko, O. Kalinin, M. Ivanov "Research on the possibilities of using drones in logistics" // "Modern problems of transport", 2019.
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Language advisor: Natalia B. Zjubanova, senior lecturer of Foreign Languages Department, National Aerospace University named after N. E. Zhukovsky "Khаrkіv Aviation
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