IoT Techniques and Elements for Drone Package Delivery Networks
1 OVERVIEW
This paper describes architectures for drone cargo delivery networks , and the IoT systems that support them . It starts with some motivations and challenges . Then , it describes an end-to-end drone cargo delivery network , use cases , and the elements that make it up . Next , the paper details specific elements of the network , with special emphasis on how IoT techniques , sensors and actuators are used in each element . An end-to-end flowchart summarizes the overall operation . Conclusions are offered .
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Drone-based logistics and delivery are an important emerging trend in both Business-to-Business ( B2B ) and Business-to-Consumer ( B2C ) supply chains . Drones ( also called Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles or UAVs ) can address many of the challenges in supply chains / logistics networks , replacing conventional truck-based logistics with faster , more efficient , more environmentally friendly alternatives . They are heavily dependent upon IoT technologies , including sensors , actuators , communication networks and intelligence at multiple layers to provide efficient , trustworthy autonomous operation . By one estimate , drone-based package delivery networks could eventually manage about 70 % of urban parcel deliveries [ 1 ]. Many leading logistics companies have made investments in drone delivery technologies [ 2 ]. There is also significant research ongoing in drone delivery technologies , as shown in this literature review [ 3 ].
This paper will describe architectures for drone-based delivery systems and discuss how IoT techniques enable their efficient operation .
1.2 PURPOSE
The primary goal of this document is to educate readers about the important role of IoT sensors , actuators , interconnect and compute resources in drone delivery networks , and describe their advantages in advanced logistics systems .
1.3 SCOPE
The scope is a generalized drone delivery scenario , although the examples and network element descriptions used are centered on the class of drone typically used for residential delivery of packages weighing less than 10 kg , and the ground support infrastructures they use .
1.4 STRUCTURE
This document will be most useful to system architects , implementers , users , and regulators of drone delivery networks and services . It is organized as follows :
• Chapter 2 – Motivations and Challenges
• Chapter 3 – Drone Delivery Networks
Journal of Innovation 29