THE EVOLUTION OF DRONES IN U.S. COMMERCIAL LOGISTICS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: INVESTIGATING THE BENEFITS, REGULATORY CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF UNMANNED AERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Author(s):
Preye Winston Biu, Onyebuchi Nneamaka Chisom, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Bartholomew Obehioye Obaedo, Abimbola Oluwatoyin Adegbite
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of drones in U.S. commercial logistics, focusing on their benefits, regulatory challenges, and future prospects. The primary objective is to explore the integration and impact of unmanned aerial delivery systems within the logistics and supply chain sectors. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, the study analyzes peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and case studies from 2013 to 2023. Key databases such as IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were utilized, with a focus on articles that discuss the evolution, benefits, challenges, and future directions of drone logistics in the U.S. context. The findings reveal significant technological advancements in drone logistics, including improved battery life, payload capacity, and navigation systems. However, the study identifies regulatory challenges as a major impediment, highlighting the need for comprehensive frameworks to ensure safety, privacy, and efficiency. Economic benefits, particularly in last-mile logistics, and potential environmental advantages are also noted. The study compares U.S. and global drone logistics models, revealing differences in regulatory approaches, application focus, and technological advancements. Lastly, the study underscores the transformative potential of drones in U.S. commercial logistics, marked by technological innovation and regulatory complexities. Future research directions include the development of advanced autonomous systems, integration with emerging technologies, and addressing privacy and security concerns. The study concludes that as drone technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of reshaping the future of logistics and supply chain management..
KEYWORDS:
Drone Technology, Commercial Logistics, United States, Unmanned Aerial Delivery Systems