Spatial Premises and Key Conditions for the Use of UAVs for Delivery of Items on the Example of the Polish Courier and Postal Services Market

Jacek Buko, Marek Bulsa and Adam Makowski
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Jacek Buko: Institute of Spatial Management and Socio-Economic Geography, University of Szczecin, Mickiewicza 64, 71-101 Szczecin, Poland
Marek Bulsa: Institute of Sociology, University of Szczecin, Krakowska 71-79, 71-017 Szczecin, Poland
Adam Makowski: Institute of History, University of Szczecin, Krakowska 71-79, 71-017 Szczecin, Poland

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the delivery of courier and postal items has the potential to provide benefits in breaking down terrain barriers and reducing congestion in urban areas. In addition, the trend to move away from polluting fossil fuels prompts delivery companies to invest in low- and zero-emission means of transport. Electric UAVs reduce environmental contamination in the delivery area and can also be directly powered by renewable energy sources. The aim of this study is to identify the premises and conditions of UAV implementation on the example of companies delivering courier and postal items in Poland. The basic research methods used for the preparation of this study are critical analysis of the literature on the subject, synthesis, and generalisation, which led to the authors’ own research conducted through partially categorised oral interviews. The conducted considerations confirm the existence of premises and the ability of UAVs for the effective delivery of items. In Poland, the most important limitation in the implementation and dissemination of this delivery method is the high level of social scepticism, reaching 43%. If actions are not taken to neutralise this attitude of society, this factor may effectively prevent the use of UAVs for delivery services.

Keywords: congestion; UAV; delivery of courier and postal items; social acceptance for UAVs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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