Signal 4: Drones build a smart Internet of Things

Companies such as Google, UPS, and DHL have been experimenting with high-performance drone distribution systems. And Amazon and Wal-Mart have also proposed a radical “air warehouse” concept, trying to pass the “air warehouse + drone” Ways to extend ground logistics services into the air. In the future, drones may replace freight fleets and may have a major impact on energy consumption, air pollution, urban noise, urban road congestion, and consumption patterns of goods and services.

The drone will bring about a revolution in urban logistics transportation systems. First of all, the drone logistics is not limited by terrain and its flight path is straight. It is especially suitable for special scenes such as remote rural areas, islands, border guard posts, and emergency assistance. Secondly, the drone logistics is not subject to traffic conditions. In urgent transportation, the barrier of traffic congestion can be effectively removed. Thirdly, the drone logistics does not need to occupy the already crowded ground road network. Fourthly, the drone logistics can save energy. Especially for small cities, the energy used by drones is much lower than that of trucks. Finally, drone logistics greatly reduces costs and improves efficiency. In the current express delivery system, each express delivery is received by a courier, and the delivery is completed. If the drone is used to carry out the express delivery business, the labor and transportation costs will be reduced, and the distribution efficiency will be improved.

In conclusion, within a few years, real AI “Unmanned” aerial vehicle will build a smart Internet of Things, breaking the space constraints and shortening the distance aging. The pressure of road traffic will be reduced and the airspace traffic will be the new dimensions of urban transportation.

Inspiration and background: https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-and-ups-are-betting-big-on-drone-delivery-2018-3