Only recently DHL – one of the biggest international courier, package delivery and express mail service, which delivers over 1.5 billion parcels per year, has announced a collaboration with Dronamics. Dronamics, a Bulgarian firm that designs and operates cargo drones, has committed to collaborate with DHL to develop a network of up to 4,000 “Black Swan” drones to support the company beginning in 2022. The automated aeroplane can transport 350 kg of freight over a distance of up to 2,500 kilometers for up to 80% less than any other aircraft now in use. The use of drones permits same-day e-commerce shipments over significant distances, including essential medical supplies and other items of urgent importance. The drones are planned to supplement the organization’s express network and, at times, will supplant more modest airplane and ground cargo vehicles. In this regard, even further progress has been made. UPS and CVS have previously teamed up in America with a focus on delivering medical supplies. Residents of The Villages in Florida, one of the country’s largest retirement communities, will thus have prescriptions delivered by drones. Consequently, the medications are delivered by drone to a central location from where they get distributed to the respective person.
Drones have gradually progressed into the conversation surrounding home consignment and other sectors as innovation has increased and restrictions have been eased. However, there are still a few hurdles to overcome before this becomes a viable option. Drone liberties are proliferating, and it appears that the future of drones is today. They are rapidly being utilized for inventory improvement and monitoring, in addition to their usage in home delivery. As a result, port and ship officials have utilized drones as well. They enable port operators to ensure that everything is functioning well and to have a better understanding of the volume of goods on hand. Capacity can be assessed much more efficiently now that the coronavirus is generating supply chain constraints.
The Covid pandemic has undoubtedly aided in the rapid acceptance and application of aerial fleets. It has accelerated the development of new technologies. The pandemic, on the other hand, has not only spurred advances in utilizing drones for logistical objectives, but one of the most significant use cases during this period has been the use of drones to authorize social distance measures, such as in China.
Overall, drones consequently have a significant influence on reducing COVID-related disruptions, reducing air traffic, and alleviating severe congestion at ports, with businesses looking for ways to ease their burden. With these scenarios in mind, the future of drones appears to be promising.
Resources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2020/06/11/is-the-future-of-drones-now/?sh=6a32f1593284
The future of logistics takes flight
Interesting article! I was only aware of the Amazon drones, but I believe they could only carry small packages up to five pounds. It’s an incredible improvement in carrying capacity from 2kg to 3,500kg. As a fellow Bulgarian, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that Dronamics is a Bulgarian company. The most positive benefit from this innovation would indeed be its ability to reach hard-to-reach destinations and provide supplies for those in need. However, I think their main objective is commercial, rather than benefiting society. I’m afraid that this innovation will even further fuel consumerism. I also wonder how those drones would rank on sustainability, would they be more sustainable in comparison to traditional delivery? I question how energy efficient could they be, especially with that enormous carrying capacity. For instance, in Bulgaria around half of electricity is still made by mining and burning coal. Thus, in cases like that just because something is electrical, it doesn’t necessarily mean more sustainable. You mention 80% less, but I believe you refer to less costs for DHL. Where does the reduction in costs come from? Is it because they won’t have to pay truck drivers and incur costs for truck fuel and maintenance? Thanks for the interesting read!
Very interesting article! I always wondered about how feasible drone logistics really are but your examples cleared up a lot of my questions. The examples of drone delivery being used in medication logistics got me thinking about the potential benefits this can bring to society. In Germany, we have a voluntary organisation called the “Johanniter” which aids in medication delivery and health accident care. They currently drive around in cars but it would be interesting to see how such organizations will react and adapt to developments such as medication delivery via drones.