EURO 2024 Copenhagen
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3151. The Value of Speed and Equity – Should Drones Be Used to Deliver Goods or are Better Solutions Available?: Case Studies from the UK

Invited abstract in session TD-24: Sustainable Food and Health Care Logistics, stream Sustainable Supply Chains.

Tuesday, 14:30-16:00
Room: 83 (building: 116)

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Andy Oakey
Transportation Research Group, University of Southampton
2. Antonio Martinez Sykora
Management School, University of Southampton
3. Tom Cherrett
University of Southampton

Abstract

The UK’s NHS is actively looking at how more sustainable and innovative transport modes can be used alongside traditional logistics systems to support their target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, or drones) are increasingly being trialled in health care systems outside the UK, though evidence from previous studies and trials is suggesting that they may not be the complete answer to many of the industry’s challenges. Using on-going case study investigations of local NHS same-day logistics networks in the UK region, this paper evaluates the benefits and costs of introducing mixed-mode logistics with UAVs to existing operations. Covering dense urban areas and sparse rural island areas, real-world datasets and realistic operating conditions are assessed using a novel savings algorithm and bin packing algorithm. Implications and recommendations for the wider logistics industry are subsequently given, including suggestions of where UAVs may be most applicable, and the best mode selections for different objectives and environments.
The research is being undertaken as part of the and EPSRC e-Drone project.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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