Drones as an Alternative Delivery Technology - Research Paper Example

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Table of Contents Abstract 2 Proposal 3 Literature Review 3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles 5 5 Research questions 6 Methodology 7 Audience 7 Practical applications 7 Operability 8 Emergency Scenarios 8 Flexibility 9 Economics 9 Viability 10 Feasibility 10 Restrictions and regulations 11 Aviation laws 11 Challenges 12 Flight safety 13 Safety of individuals 13 Safety of the drones 14 Conclusion 14 Summary and interpretation of findings 14 Recommendations 15 References 16 Abstract Delivery companies have long relied on individuals as the sole means of delivering the various letters and parcels to the clients, largely overlooking the possibilities that exist for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) that have been in existence since the early twentieth century. Consequently, this report aims to look at the possibility of making use of drones as a means of parcel delivery by general feasibility of adopting drone technology by the delivery companies. While there exists literature that looks into the various possible uses for UAV, none has focused on the feasibility of using drones particularly for the delivery of parcels and letters. Therefore, this research and evaluates the following: practicality, economics, restrictions and regulations, and safety. Report use secondary research, such as books, journals, research articles, and any other relevant academic papers. As such, the research aims to reach out to the various delivery companies with a more detailed and concise report on the feasibility of using UAVs for delivery. Proposal I propose a study that looks into the consequences and the possibility of adopting this technology in the delivery of parcels in the near future. Literature Review Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) were introduced in the early twentieth century and commonly used in the Second World War. Associating drones with destructive weapons is a concept that proves hard to shake among government institution s and members of public. The main difference from this drones to cruise missiles that are also remotely controlled is the fact that drones can be reused and can lift payloads that are lethal or not. Their importance is in the miniaturization of the cost of producing a full-scale aircraft. The inability to cost the pilots’ lives in case of an accident and host of electronic masquerades that make them invincible in war zones (Boon & Lovelace 2014). The use of UAVs is mostly attribute to their capability to reach places that otherwise may prove dangerous or significantly expensive to reach. From that perspective, the Amazon as the main leading company in the war to legalize the use of drones for commercial purposes believes that the Federal Administration will grant regulations for the use of drones. It is equally important to note that current use of drone is still evidenced in a variety of civil aviation issues. The current common use of drones includes aerial surveying of crops, in film making to enhance in acrobatic aerial footage, during search as well as rescue operations and while counting wildlife. Other uses include inspecting power lines with using the drones to deliver medical supplies to inaccessible areas is also evidenced. Amazon likewise bases its argument of seeking for civil authorization of the use of drones on the concept of commercial purposes. The organization discounts any purpose behind the use of drones to survey on people. The issue of surveillance of the U.S citizens through the use of the drones is a major concern that makes the FAA delay in approving the use of drones for commercial purposes. Amazon argues that the current drone is not designed for such purposes with the goal of the drones aimed at benefiting the customers (Huerta, 2014). In an attempt to make automatic the systems that handle letters and parcels, various computerized technology have been applied. These are mainly used in the sorting of the bulky letters and parcels. In the delivery, manual transportation is used that involves human labor. In the delivery system, the automation of the process through the use of drones is a potential area of infusion of technology. In encouraging the acceptance of technology, the automation of services through drones could reduce the workforce and ensure the high level of efficiency that can result in the reduction of time. While using drones in the delivery mechanism, the reduction of the number of the mailmen and costs is supposed to increase organizational profits, hours of work and accuracy of the delivery process. That aspect is what inspires the extensive research into the delivery process that uses the UAVs that are, in most cases, referred to as drones. For Amazon, as the major player in the aim to ensure authorization of the use of drones, they believe that introduction of drones will only improve the quality of the delivery system as opposed to threatening other mail delivery systems (Wright, 2014). However, the use of drones for commercial purposes although realizable is yet to be achieved. Current progress from the FAA and drone manufacturers however indicates a possibility that the use of drones will start in the near future. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Below are some images of the unmanned aerial vehicles carrying parcels (http://www.gizmag.com/amazon-new-delivery-drones-us-faa-approval/36957/) (http://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-delivery-drones-edge-closer-to-reality/) Research questions More specifically, this research will answer the following questions: Practical applications - Under which circumstance or physical situation is it viable to use drones in the delivery of parcels? Economics - Is using this level of technology economically feasible or viable in the long run under the same circumstance described above? Restrictions and regulations - What are the prevailing legal conditions that govern the flying of drones for civilian commercial applications in to the delivery of parcels? Flight Safety - Are there any threats that this system could pose to the safety and security of members of the public in regions where they are applied? Methodology The method will involve a secondary research technique. The resources that will be used to conduct the research include books, journal, research articles and papers available on the internet portal. Audience The audience of this research is companies that operate parcel delivery services like the Amazon, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) groups. The information that it will provide is crucial to understanding the implications of drone technology in civilian commercial use. This could pave the way for the adoption of the technology shortly. Practical applications The practical operations refers to the real operation activity of the drones that touches on various aspects among them operability, emergency situations and flexibility. The application focuses on the best way to utilize the drones and possible benefits derived from their use that other forms of parcel delivery may fail to meet in a timely and efficient manner. Amazon as the leading company in making the UAV’s has already presented possible uses of the drones with most focus on areas with poor infrastructure development (Nicas and Bensinger, 2015). The company argues that it is the only best solution to ensure parcel delivery without complications and time delay. Operability The issue regarding the use of drones has been evidenced for over past a half decade with various regulatory agencies assessing the application of drones in parcel delivery. In the U.S for example, the Federal Administration assessment of the deployment of the best aviation regulatory of the drones is yet to achieve its objectives (Orsini, 2013). Despite the Congress enacting a legislation in 2012 that directed the FAA to provide the rules that will guard small civilian drones, the milestone is far from achievement. It is attributed to the difference arising between the civilian drones and manned aircraft. It is possible to a purchase majority of the small drones with just a few hundred dollars with their design made in a manner that helps them hover relatively closer to the ground where they maintain a distance with the space where conventional planes as well as helicopters fly. With an aim of achieving their goals, Amazon is submitting a petition that seeks for exemption in regard to section 333 of FAAA Modernization Act 2012 that will help in allowing outdoor research and development tests for Prime Air within the U.S. The specific sections that Amazon seeks an exemption are contained in 14 C.F.R relating to experimental certificates, marks display together with manual, marking as well as placard requirements for civil aircraft flight (Huerta, 2014). The certifications required is also a major consideration of the exemptions Amazon wishes to get to enhance effective operability. Emergency Scenarios Considering that the drones take a time of around thirty minutes to deliver parcels, there are some best scenarios where they prove better in use while considering a variety of physical situations and circumstances (Huerta, 2014). The best time to use drones is now considering the challenges affecting the world. The issue of Ebola tells more of the need to use drones for parcel delivery as some of the towns in Africa are put under quarantine as a result of the challenge of disease. For residents within some of these towns in Africa where quarantine is in place, welcoming the use of drones for food deliveries as wee as medical supplies will prove much relief (Orblu, 2013). The use of the drones assuming that they can get disinfection between trips will prove beneficial. The fight against Ebola would therefore prove achievable with the use of drones. Flexibility Consequently, in towns and cities where traffic congestion is an issue, it is possible to make better use of the drones for parcel deliveries as they will escape the challenge of traffic jams and ensure delivery within a shorter period. Again, where road transport challenges are evidenced, the use air transport makes parcel delivery easier as the complications with road transport is minimized (Nicas and Bensinger, 2015). Therefore, the practical use of drones in parcel delivery is evidenced in areas where the process proves more beneficial than all the other forms of transport in terms of time and efficiency. Economics The economics of the practical applications of the drones focuses on the feasibility and viability of their use over the long run considering the same practical applications. The economics aspect of the use of drones will borrow significantly on their ability to make deliveries in a more efficient and cost-effective manner than the existing modes of transport (Wright, 2014). Amazon argues that the drone business is in for the long-run with time saving and efficiency key to the new technology. Although they fail to adequately capture the issue of cost-effectiveness, they argue that the UAV’s will compete with already existing delivery systems for better economic gains for the customers (Kerr, 2014). Viability The existing means of transport comprise of freight aircrafts as well as delivery vans that must include individuals tasked with various roles during the transport process. In relation to transport in quarantined areas, the viability of the use of drones is also evidenced in the long run as the challenges affecting the world now may reoccur or other new challenges may occur in future as evidenced by the current Ebola issue. Consequently, there is the issue of transport in congested towns with the use of drones in the long run proving viable since the level of towns and cities congestion continues to increase over time (Infosec, 2015). Although planners of towns and cities tend to employ new approaches to reduce traffic congestion every time, the increase in human population in towns often leads to increased congestions limiting effective transports. The use of drones in parcel delivery proves viable in the long run and serving as the best solution to avoid traffic jam especially where the parcels are required urgently. Feasibility Another economical benefit resulting from the use of drones relates to the less developed areas where transport systems are poorly developed. There areas are characterized by sparse populations serving as an indication that parcels delivered through any form of delivery are few (Kerr, 2014). Although there is a possibility of such areas achieving development in the future, the possibility of requiring other means of delivery with the existence of drones is minimal. Drones therefore, not only fit effectively in the practical applications over the long run, but also in relation to time-sensitivity. Restrictions and regulations Restrictions serve as limiting factors towards achieving the goal of unmanned aerial vehicles while regulations must be met for to effectively act within the laws of a nation. There are a variety of laws governing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the U.S. the use of the unmanned aerial systems is referred to as “Drone journalism (UNC, 2015). One of the significant efforts by Amazon towards challenging the existing restrictions and regulations is evidenced in the appeal letter that challenges specific exemptions like section 14 C.F.R to enhance in drone operations Huerta, M. (2014). Aviation laws Although the use of drones in parcel delivery seems attainable, it is important to consider some of the restrictions and regulations that hinder the process. In some countries like in the Arabians, the process is on the right track and almost attaining its goals with the regulating authorities allowing companies to perform tests of the project. China equally is on the verge of allowing the use of drones in parcel delivery with tests already underway. While the U.S companies serve as the major leaders in the technology, the companies face one of the most pressing hurdles in relation t using the airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration is mandated with regulating and monitoring the use of airspace and fails to permit the commercial use of drones in the U.S airspace (Orsini, 2013). Despite taking slow moves in the process of exploring the myriad factors affecting civilians drone use that relates to issues like certification as well as air traffic congestion while incorporating both private and public groups. The efforts are evidenced through actions like the 2013 announcement of six site test operations with test flights taking more in more states (UNC, 2015). Challenges Despite the Congress ordering the FAA to present a roadmap that will integrate drones by 2015; the roadmap is yet to be achieved. The most surprising issue relating to the failure of FAA to quickly legalize the commercial use of drones is mostly attributed to privacy concerns and the possibility of the use of drones in the U.S airspace in spying on U.S citizens. Therefore, the failure to legalize the use of drones in the U.S is far more from what major parts of the worlds attribute to the gadget reputation as a killing machine (Ishaq, 2012). A report from the American Civil Liberties Union indicates that legislation is already passed in eight states against the use of commercial drones in relation to surveillance data collection. Although Amazon Prime Air drones as well as other companies indicate that their reasons behind manufacturing the drones is purely based on commercial purposes, the FAA is not doubting the possibility of using the drones on surveying on people (Heatha, 2013). It is however important to consider the proposed rules of FAA as they possess both opportunities and challenges. FAA proposed rules allows all drones to fall below fifty-five pounds with the maximum speed required to reach 100 mph while at the same time ensuring a flight attitude of a maximum of 500 feet from the ground (Lee, 2015). Consequently, the proposed rules prohibit drone operations at night with each operator prohibited from controlling more than one draft at a go. The rules posses the capability of benefiting any company that will adhere to the basic criteria with companies like Amazon standing to lose as they expected to deliver drones that make delivery within thirty minutes. Flight safety There is a need to test the safety of every new technological development as it impacts the environment and the individuals, structure and everything else within that environment. For the unmanned aerial vehicles, the safety concerns borrows from the safety conditions of the vehicles and on the impact they possess to structures and people within the area of operation. In ensuring that the drones adhere to the safety regulations, Amazon is developing its drones to achieve the standard levels as for ones with manned aircrafts (Heatha, 2013). The approach is essential in ensuring that there is a reduced safety risk related to the components of the drones. Safety of individuals The safety of every transport systems sis examined to assess any dangers it may present to the members of the public along where the transport means is applied. The Prime Air team equally emphasizes on the safety measure citing that safety ranks as one of the top priority citing that the air vehicles building will have multiple redundancies as well as a design that meets commercial aviation standards (Kerr, 2014). The security concerns raised relate to the fact that as opposed to the military drones that surveys conducts overhead surveys in different areas of the world, the commercial drones fly at low levels closer to the ground, diving low enough during hovering and delivering the package. The safety concern is attributed to the possibility of the drones coming into contact with the human flesh and the possible damage it may cause (Lavars, 2015). The contact will mostly result in areas where deliveries are made in highly populated areas with building serving as distracters and collisions a possibility. The companies concerned with the process of making drafts however dispute the issue of unavailability of safety with Huerta (2014), the office administrator of Amazon serving as a major example where he asserts the aim behind the organization’s project is for the benefit of customers. Safety of the drones Another security concern relates to the possibility of the delivery drones exploding or running into things. The GPS guarding the unmanned drones are not-always reliable with the metal-bladed propellers as well as batteries that may be prone to combustion. The possibility of using the drones in many urban areas or in areas where there exist flight paths for commercial planes. A former continental Pilot said that it is impossible to see the drones until they hit something since they operate at speed and in areas with high congestion, visibility is challenging (Heatha, 2013). The issue of safety of the people within the drone’s area of operation is something of great concern with even Amazon acknowledging that sending hundreds of drones into the air may prove quite challenging. The issue of surveillance is also another safety concern that hinders the commercial use of the drones. Conclusion Summary and interpretation of findings There is a possibility of adopting the technology of using unmanned vehicles for parcel delivery in the near future. The possibility is attributed to the major benefits resulting from the use of the technology in parcel delivery. Much of the benefits are evidenced through employing the technology to handle practical issues with the Ebola challenge serving as one of the major beneficial factors that may prompt for the use of the new technology (Lavars, 2015). Consequently, the need for quick delivery in places where road delivery takes longer serves as a driver towards enhancing the use of the drones both in developed and non-developed areas. The feasibility and viability of using the drones also serve as a major contributing factor towards using the technology in the long run with cost also a consideration. However, despite the significant benefits attributed to the use of unmanned air vehicles, they must comply with the regulations before they embark on the commercial process. The failure of FAA to allow the drones the rights to use the airspace serves as a hindrance towards delivering parcels with unmanned vehicles. The issue of safety of the people within the unmanned air vehicles areas of operation is also a major stumbling block towards adoption of the technology. Recommendations To ensure that the technology comes into use, FAA needs to review its restrictions and regulations through applying the right technology that will curb issues relating to surveillance (Rule, 2014). Consequently, regulation of direction and the number of drones plying a certain route at a particular time is essential to avoid collisions. Therefore, despite the benefits attributed to the use of drones for commercial purposes, there exist a variety of challenges that require sufficient consideration before authorizing the commercial use of the unmanned delivery vehicles into the air. References Austin, R. (2010). Unmanned aircraft systems: UAVs design, development and deployment. Reston, VA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Heatha, T. (2013, December 2). Amazon drones won’t replace the mailman or FedEx woman any time soon – Quartz. Retrieved from http://qz.com/152596/amazon-drones-wont-replace-the-mailman-or-fedex-woman-any-time-soon/ Huerta, M. (2014, July 9). Retrieved from http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/rowland/AmazonPetitionforExemption_July92014.pdf Lee, K. (2015, February 16). FAA drone rule proposal: What they allow, who benefits, who doesn't - LA Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-proposed-drone-rules-20150216-story.html Infosec. 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