As Amazon are set to launch their drone delivery programme in the UK by the end of 2024, we revisit the trend to understand whether the adoption of drones really will revolutionise commercial delivery methods.
The coronavirus pandemic catalysed significant changes in the operations of UK supermarkets, particularly in their delivery services. As the shift towards online ordering persists as a long-term trend, retail giant Tesco continues to trial drone delivery services in Galway, Ireland. This innovative approach, if successful, could alleviate the strain of increased online ordering, however the implementation of the technology is not without its challenges.
Drone deliveries: The detail
Drone deliveries fall under the broader category of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), already utilised in various industries like filmmaking, agriculture, and the military. Tesco's trial will mark a commercial use of drones, delivering up to 4kg of groceries to customers' doorsteps within 30 minutes of ordering, initially focusing on a select range of items. The trial, operating from the Oranmore store in County Galway, Ireland, was facilitated by Manna, which already conducts medicine delivery trials in Moneygall, Ireland.
When was the first commercial drone delivery in the UK?
Drone deliveries are not brand new. In 2016, Amazon conducted its first commercial drone delivery in the UK, dropping a parcel just 13 minutes after ordering to a resident in Cambridge. Given that a significant portion of Amazon's packages weigh less than five pounds, the company continues to explore UAVs' potential to reshape the industry.
Walmart, Asda's parent company, has initiated drone delivery tests in the US, while the UK government has announced UAVs delivering essential hospital supplies to the Isle of Wight. UPS is also testing drones launching from traditional delivery vehicles, indicating a widespread interest in leveraging drone technology.
Altitude Angel is also involved in conducting delivery drone trials. The central component of the Skyway strategy is ARROW's ground-based detect and avoid technology. A total of 30 towers are slated to be installed along a corridor stretching from Reading to Coventry.
Despite Altitude Angel awaiting approval from the CAA for the Skyway project, Steven Farmer, the company's Head of Corporate Communications, expresses unwavering confidence. “We
started working on Skyway in June 2022 and it’s a two-year project, so we are positive that we will receive certification and approval for the technology by June 2024.”
Tesco's Response and Industry Challenges
Tesco's move towards drone deliveries coincides with shifting grocery shopping habits due to COVID-19. Tesco's CEO, Dave Lewis, notes a nearly twofold increase in online sales year-on-year since the onset of lockdown. While other supermarkets are also witnessing similar trends, their responses vary. For instance, Waitrose and John Lewis are introducing electric delivery vans to transition away from fossil fuels by 2030. While drones offer environmental benefits, their feasibility in the grocery sector compared to traditional shipping methods remains debatable.
How Drones are Improving NHS Supply Chain Logistics
Drones have also been trialled in the medical world, with NHS Supplied carried to the Isle of Wight using the Windracers ULTRA UAV. As the UK’s largest unmanned aerial vehicle, it can deliver vital NHS supplies from Hampshire to the Isle of Wight in just 10 minutes, twice as fast as the journey by ferry.
Meanwhile in Essex, an NHS drone has also been used to courier blood samples and personal protective equipment between Essex’s Broomfield Hospital, Basildon Hospital and the Pathology First laboratory in Basildon. It is hoped that drones can help address some of the challenges surrounding NHS supply chain logistics, including reducing waiting times for couriers and freeing up NHS staff.
What are the possible benefits of drone deliveries?
● Reduced road congestion due to fewer delivery vehicles
● Faster delivery times, particularly in congested areas
● Lower greenhouse emissions and enhanced road safety
● Improved route flexibility and accessibility, especially in rural or congested regions
● Lower operating costs compared to traditional delivery methods
What are the drawbacks?
● Noise and potential intrusiveness reported by residents
● Weight limitations necessitating alternative delivery methods for heavier items
● Regulatory challenges such as airspace management and collision avoidance systems
● Susceptibility to weather conditions impacting safety and delivery schedules
● Dependence on consumer trust, which may take time to establish fully
Food for thought
The increasing demand for online grocery deliveries highlights the urgency to explore environmentally sustainable delivery solutions. While drones offer promise, their current limitations, such as weight capacity and range, may restrict their widespread adoption. Economic incentives for consumers to embrace drone deliveries over traditional methods are crucial for market penetration. Tesco's trials will shed light on consumer acceptance and operational viability, potentially shaping the future of the industry.
Conclusion
The emergence of drone delivery services represents a significant shift in the logistics landscape, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. While challenges persist, stakeholders across sectors are actively exploring drone technology's potential to enhance efficiency and sustainability. As trials like Tesco's unfold, the industry will gain valuable insights into the feasibility and impact of drone deliveries, paving the way for a more innovative and sustainable future in logistics.
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