A Study of Advanced Drone Delivery and Prospects for Social Implementation

Abstract

Drone deliveries and the labor-saving technology behind them are expected to solve logistics problems, especially in depopulated or remote areas. On the other hand, there are still safety and security issues regarding the promotion of drone utilization and social implementation. There are also some barriers to commercializing drone delivery services. However, changing societal structures can be seen as a chance to unlock new market opportunities. From 2015, various initiatives have been carried out all over Japan to develop technology and improve the overall environment for the safe utilization of drones. This article provides an overview of advanced Level 3 BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) cases and other logistics uses, a concise description of immediate potential for drone delivery, and related legal perspectives.