In a world of mind-controlled robotic limbs, artificial intelligence, and technology reaching all new heights, it\u2019s hardly a surprise that drone delivery services are beginning to become a reality.<\/p>\n
Something that only a few years ago may have seemed like a futuristic gimmick is fast becoming a reality and it\u2019s not going to be long until we see an armada of drones circling the air with packages ordered only hours ago\u2026 or are we?<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s true that companies such as Amazon and Google are heavily investing both time and money into drone research, there are many intrinsic logistical issues that surround the use of drones.<\/p>\n
This post looks at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using drones in the same-day delivery sector and what the future of delivery may hold for us all.<\/p>\n
Customers are craving fast delivery and are beginning to expect same-day delivery as a given. This puts a huge logistical strain on companies to be able to deliver it at all, let alone as quickly as the customer would like.<\/p>\n
Factors such as fulfilment centre placement and traffic nightmares can affect a company\u2019s ability to quickly deliver packages to customers.<\/p>\n
This is where semi-autonomous drones should come into their own. Not bound by traffic jams and slugging it around the M5, they could offer much faster delivery and would be able to travel from depot to customer as the crow flies.<\/p>\n
Amazon claims that it\u2019s working toward a point where the customer can receive a drone delivery they\u2019ve ordered in just thirty minutes. Talk about setting the bar high when it comes to express delivery.<\/p>\n
In addition to faster deliveries, using drones could be more environmentally friendly because drones run on a battery instead of spilling fumes into the surrounding area. As companies strive to improve environmentally friendly production, the drone seems to be the way forward for small deliveries.<\/p>\n
Drone delivery could theoretically cost companies less in the long run. While investing in the technology and developing it is initially going to cost more than leasing vehicles, it is at cost parity with current courier systems and may well begin to become cheaper for short distance deliveries.<\/p>\n
With many companies citing the \u2018last mile\u2019 as the biggest expense (searching for an address or recipients not being home increases both the time and cost), drones that can access back gardens or safe delivery spots could solve that issue, thus eventually reducing door to door delivery costs.<\/p>\n
Despite the many benefits of drone delivery, there are challenges faced by those wishing to utilise the sky.<\/p>\n
Firstly, although they\u2019re environmentally friendly, they are restricted by weather conditions than what a traditional courier would be. It\u2019s highly unlikely that a lorry delivering parcels will be blown off course, but that\u2019s a definite possibility with a small lightweight drone.<\/p>\n
What will happen during storms when it becomes unsafe for drones to be out in force? Will deliveries be put on hold until weather conditions improve?<\/p>\n
Then we must consider the logistics of delivering a parcel at the drop off point. What if your pet is injured by the drone releasing its payload? Or your fluffy little family member destroys your parcel left in your garden while you\u2019re out?<\/p>\n
Maybe even more terrifying, what if something were to go wrong and the drone drops a payload mid-flight? If someone was hurt, who would be to blame?<\/p>\n
Another major challenge for drone delivery is the red tape surrounding it. While the UK is currently being forward-thinking enough to offer its airspace to drone delivery development, over in the US, companies still need to get a regulatory license to utilise the air.<\/p>\n
Restricted areas near airports and other protected zones close to military bases need careful consideration. This means that even if the technology gets off the ground (pun intended), there\u2019s still a plethora of legal matters to overcome.<\/p>\n
Will the rise in drone delivery lead to mercenaries and piracy of the skies such as packages getting hijacked mid-flight? While this may seem a little far-fetched, companies planning to use drones are going to have to prove their drones are highly unlikely to be hacked and the contents stolen in that manner.<\/p>\n