A Systems-Level Technology Policy Analysis of the Truck-and-Drone Cooperative Delivery Vehicle System

Abstract

This paper concerns a systems-level assessment of the truck-and-drone cooperative delivery system and its integration into urban environments. The analysis is grounded in an assessment of the regulatory environment currently applicable to truck-and-drone logistics, with a particular focus on the state of small unmanned aerial vehicle regulation in the United States. This is followed by a broad discussion of the social, environmental and operational implications of such a system deployed at scale and its potential impact on society. The paper concludes with an appraisal of the compatibility between today's relevant regulation and the evolving truck-and-drone system technology. A proposal for an adaptive regulatory framework to guide the safe, responsible development and deployment of this emerging technology is then proposed that suits the technology's various stakeholders; citizens, municipalities, relevant regulatory bodies and logistics firms.