Os drones, originally conceived as military instruments, can now be used for a variety of logistical tasks. They can, for example, manage inventory more efficiently, allowing them to quickly scan shelves, bins and other storage areas and can collect data in real time. They can also assist with route planning by creating maps and routes with greater accuracy, reducing operating costs, increasing efficiency and improving customer service.
They are also capable of improving safety in the workplace, providing real-time information on the location of employees and the assets to be monitored. They can also be used to monitor dangerous areas or structures and give workers information about potential hazards. Furthermore, the use of drones allows companies to save time by enabling them to complete tasks faster.
According to research Application of Supply Chain Technologies in Brazil carried out by the ILOS, presented in October 2022, at the 28th International Supply Chain Forum, only 18% of the large Brazilian companies interviewed use drones in their logistics activities, but 53% intend to increase investment in the use of this technology. Among those who use drones, the most used functionality is the inspection and monitoring of facilities (12% of the total number of responding companies use them for this purpose) and 8% make use of drones for inventory count.
The function of transporting and moving goods by drones, which was thought to be the main purpose of this innovation in logistics, are used by only 1% of companies, only in very specific operations.
Figure 1: Main applications of drones. Source: Application of technologies of Supply Chain in Brazil. ILOS survey, 2022.
Although in Brazil this operation is still limited, internationally there is greater progress in the use of this technology. During 2022, the Project was approved Skyway by the UK government, a plan to develop 265 km long unmanned aerial vehicle corridors to make the delivery of goods faster and more efficient.
In China, an example is the company AirWhiteWhale, which is testing the W5000 model, capable of transporting up to 5 tons in a compartment of up to 65 cubic meters, which receives containers and pallets of all types of cargo, with a range of up to 2.600 km.
In this context, the Japanese company Mitsubishi Electric announced the platform AnyMile, focused on managing logistics operations with drones, which will begin beta testing with users in mid-2023. The platform is intended to support the operation to provide an end-to-end resource planning and management system, interfacing with service providers, expressively reducing the times of transfer flows.
The idea is that this system will allow companies to manage their shipments, scheduling collection, tracking; in addition to managing maintenance tasks for drones and performing routine operational tasks, such as booking services to replenish equipment and generating customer invoices, for example.
Even after so many years, the discussion about drones still generates a certain fascination on the part of many. Its use in Supply Chain is becoming increasingly popular for productivity and efficiency improvements, while simultaneously reducing costs and improving security for businesses. However, it is still an embryonic technology, for specific use, in the development and evaluation phase in the field of logistics, but with the prospect of increasing investments in Brazil and, above all, internationally.
References:
– ILOS Insights (03/11/2023) – ILOS 2022 Survey: Use of Technology in Supply Chain in Brazil
– Ifood News (26/12/2022) – iFood innovations resulted in 430k tons of CO2 less in the environment
– ILOS Insights (14/08/2020) – commercial deliveries by drones gain momentum in Brazil
– Investment Monitor (16/01/2023) – How will drone corridors change logistics?
– PWC – Skies Without Limits v2.0
– AnyMile – Drone Based Logistics Platform
– Digital Journal (23/01/2023) – Drone Transportation and Logistics Market May See a Big Move | Dronescan, Hardis, Skysense
– Nikkei Asia (22/01/2023) – Chinese startup offers large position drones eyeing demand arises
– Asian Aviation (08/01/2023) – Mitsubishi Electric launches AnyMile drone-based logistics ops platform
