In the early days of this technology, drones were mostly used in the fields of research, photography, security and communication. Perhaps its most important use, commercially, is within retail delivery. For online retailers, drone delivery systems mean that it has become that much easier, cheaper and faster to deliver local customer orders right to their door.
Drones have had something of a bad reputation in the past, with them being used in combat zones. However, as they become more accessible and cheaper (and without weapons capability), they have become more popular with the public and as a commercial package delivery option.
Commercial package delivery, via drone, is rapidly increasing in popularity around the world. This movement has partially been triggered by the ongoing development of Amazon Prime Air. Of course, there are challenges to be overcome in the commercial delivery space where drones are concerned.
One challenge that comes immediately to mind is the fact that people need to be open to the idea of having laden drones flying around populated areas. This is naturally linked to the move towards drones “dropping” off packages at customers’ homes.
Public perception, as well as expectation, is something to be overcome. This is inevitable, if for no other reason that commercial drone delivery is set to grow almost exponentially, around the world. It will become something that people will get used to because there is very little choice.
What exactly prompted this unexpected surge in drone delivery?
It is important to understand first that nothing about the growth of drones in the commercial delivery sector is unexpected, or even unsurprising. There have been several indicators that this was coming:
- Increasing demand for speedier deliveries
- Improved regulatory structures concerning the production of drone packages
- Increased start-up use of light-weight, low-cost drones in product production
Each of these has had a marked effect on boosting drone package delivery. The commercial delivery sector also received something of an unexpected boost by way of defense forces, around the world, purchasing drones for military use. This helped lower costs across the board, as well as improve the technology behind the drones themselves.
Expected growth
Total global sales of drones are expected to double by 2025, to an estimated $42 billion (£30 billion). Aside from military applications, commercial inspection duties are the leading application of drones but by far the fastest growth is projected to be in the area of drone deliveries.
Of course, delivery by way of drone has quickly become an industry hot topic. Drone deliveries are becoming so popular, chiefly, because they can be conducted cheaper and faster than more traditional delivery methods.
The use of unmanned aircraft has also been used successfully during the coronavirus pandemic, for the delivery of urgently-needed medical supplies – such as virus testing kits.
Commercial applications
Drones are the changing face of logistics and e-commerce, regardless of that e-commerce may actually be (shopping, fast food etc.). As noted, drones as a delivery method provide retailers with a fast, more affordable and relatively simple solution that has the added benefit of being inline with customer expectations.
Drones are not just easier methods of delivery and kinder to the environment (fewer trucks, cars and motorbikes on the road), they are also projected to increase revenue for online retailers by around 25% over the next 10 years. There is also expected to be a drop in delivery costs of around $50 million in the US alone.
In fact, it is perfectly reasonable to expect delivery costs of less than $1, average, and local delivery times of 30 minutes. The delivery costs savings alone could be passed on to the customer, making it beneficial for them, and making it more likely for the customer to use that retailer again – increasing profits for that retailer.
Technology advancement
As commercial drone delivery becomes more widespread globally, and it will, it will encourage advancements in the technology. Much in a similar way that cars have evolved, although drone tech is expected to advance more quickly due to technological advances generally.
Companies with existing stakes in these industries are working hard to increase the distance that drones can travel on a single charge. Additionally, they are working to increase the weight that they can carry. Both of these will work together to make drone commercial delivery more viable. In consequence, their use will increase at a much faster rate.
Who is already using drones for commercial deliveries?
Several companies are already using drones for package delivery, including Amazon, although only in certain countries. For now. To compete with traditional delivery methods, a much more intricate, global network of drones will be required. This, naturally, will take time and effort but it will happen.
At the moment, drones are more widely used for the delivery of food and medical supplies in countries such as:
- New Zealand
- UAE
- Australia
- The US
- China
And a selection of the companies that operate in this space include:
- UPS
- FedEx
- Domino’s Pizza
- Alibaba
- Zomato
This is not an exhaustive list, and it is only expected to grow.
The futuristic vision of delivery
If the thought of drones delivering your orders to your doorstep seems a little too ‘Bladerunner’ or ‘i,ROBOT’, then you don’t have too much to worry about. The technology still has a little way to go, even if it is coming on in leaps and bounds before they are commonplace in your neighborhood.
There is also very little chance of a ‘Skynet’ situation arising. The advancement of technology is inevitable, and with courier service technology has barely changed in the last few decades, the appearance of drone delivery was always going to happen.
Drone commercial package delivery is coming, and perhaps more quickly than even analysts predict. The future is now.
Image credit: Zan Andjic (zanychew) on Pixabay
