<!–Uday Deb

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The year is 2022, ever imagined drones will be delivering food, groceries, e-commerce parcels, vaccines, essential medical supplies and whatnot? Whether healthcare, e-commerce or military use, unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming a ubiquitous part of human life. We have finally arrived in the gilded age of technology. Owing to the global pandemic, flying drones have been put to an extensive range of tasks. From contactless deliveries of Covid-19 test samples, medications and vaccines to surveilling areas in lockdown- drones are enabling faster and safer transportation.

 At a time when global supply chains have been disrupted and much of the aviation industry has been anchored, drones are rapidly emerging as an alternate solution. According to an industry report, it is forecasted that by the year 2026, more than one million drones will be carrying out retail deliveries as opposed to the current 20,000. 

Drone Deliveries vs Conventional Deliveries

When supply chains have been disrupted in a pandemic-hit world, contactless and speedy deliveries are the only way forward. Conventional logistics and transportation networks provide little hope when safe, fast and cost-effective deliveries are concerned. Additionally, as the world tries to forge a path towards decarbonization, drones offer a promising solution. Medium and heavy-duty trucks, fuel vans and cars largely deployed in the logistics and transportation industry are costly, carbon-emitting and consume more time. Autonomous drones, on the other hand, operate on battery, deliver within minutes and reduce operational costs. They are not only a better alternative for last-mile deliveries but also in the healthcare sector, where time is critical for saving lives. As opposed to conventional modes of delivery, drones offer a faster, cheaper and more reliable solution to the market.

 Drone Deliveries Across the Globe

Drones emerged as a ray of sunshine in a pandemic-afflicted world. Africa turned to Zipline, a US-based drone startup, to transport Covid-19 test samples from remote locations. Similarly, officials in Chile benefitted from drones for delivering medications in faraway rural areas. India was not far behind either, [TM1] as local police resorted to flying drones to ensure people were following lockdown restrictions. But the uses of drones extend beyond areas affected by the pandemic. For instance, deep tech startups providing on-demand drone delivery solutions are improving the emergency and regular medical supply chain for hard-to-reach populations.

 A Peek into The Future

Owing to rapid technological developments and multiple use cases, drone deliveries are gaining immense popularity in logistics and transportation operations. Companies across the globe are leveraging drone technologies to improve the accuracy, speed and operational costs of their delivery channels. The market size of global drone parcel delivery is estimated to reach $8 billion by 2027 at a substantial CAGR of 41.8%. Considering the exponential growth of the market, key industry players, mainly e-commerce giants, are collaborating with on-demand drone delivery startups to improve the logistics segment.

 India- A Global Drone Hub?

While the future for drones looks bright, their flight is encumbered by legislative and regulatory challenges across the globe. Stringent licensing policies and rigid laws have delayed the flight of drones for several years. However, with the new Drone Rules 2021 introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the government aims to make India a global drone hub by 2030. With ­liberalized rules and licensing, the uses of drones are being explored across industries. Several drone startups and technology providers are conducting BVLOS trials for multiple drone operations. As a result, the use of drones is expected to grow in last-mile deliveries.

 Key Takeaways

Modern transportation and logistics are among the main pillars of a country’s economy. With the Covid-19 pandemic crippling the world’s supply chains, several industries are exploring the uses of drones. With contactless and rapid deliveries, no traffic restrictions, less operational costs and low environmental impact, drones can be a disruptor to the conventional delivery segment. The growing adoption of drone technology is compelling many businesses to incorporate drones into their supply chains to remain relevant and competitive in the market. With government support and incentives, drone technology can benefit several industries as well as humankind through medical supplies and essentials. 

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Disclaimer

Views expressed above are the author’s own.

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Disclaimer

Views expressed above are the author’s own.

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Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/drones-a-new-delivery-alternative/