Drone Delivery: Science Fiction or Near-Future?

It is not altogether rare that something from the realms of science fiction finds itself suddenly and fully implemented in real life. In the past six decades, we have seen sci-fi inventions and predictions emerge from real-world technological innovation – from portable computers and touch-sensitive smart screens to satellite communication and navigation.

Despite the breakneck pace of human technological development, there are some sci-fi concepts that haven’t quite made it to tangible availability just yet. Hoverboards, jetpacks and flying cars are commonly referenced as promised future technologies that have not yet emerged, and likewise with real AI and ‘autopilot’ navigation.

But strides are being made in these departments, which collided during research and development to form one of the most exciting prospects in a new, connected society reliant on e-commerce. Drone delivery has been floating around as a concept for some time, and logistics giants like Amazon have been pouring money into developing their own fleets of automated drone deliverers.

Crucially though, they have not yet been fully rolled out. What are the challenges to rolling out drone delivery, and are they more science-fiction than viable new convenience?

The Usefulness of Drone Delivery

Drone deliveries have a wide range of practical applications that justify their development and potential launch. Investment in automated delivery services enables larger distribution companies to cut the human costs associated with their logistics chain, minimising human error and maximising both budget and profits.

Drone delivery can also be used to expand the range of ‘last-mile’ deliveries, as drones are not beholden to topography or road mapping. Theoretically, same-day delivery could be taken to its logical conclusion, with online orders fulfilled within hours or even minutes.

Challenges to Implementation

However, the design and rollout of such services has been hampered by numerous barriers to progress. For one, existing same-day delivery services are already highly efficient in the urban areas where drone deliveries would be most popular. For another, the technological cost of drone design, perfecting pathfinding algorithms and integrating with existing logistics architecture is currently prohibitive.

There is also competition from gig-economy delivery services, and, surprisingly, customer preference. Not only is there a new industry of contracted freelancers dependent on last-mile delivery as a business model, but there is also evidence to suggest that customers do not like AI – and prefer the human touch.

A Guaranteed Future

Despite these challenges, investment and research continues into rolling out drone delivery. The benefits outweigh the challenges significantly, especially with regard to time-sensitive applications such as organ delivery. The question is not “if” for drones; it’s “when”.