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Modeling the Impacts of Regulations and Safety Constraints on UAVs Costs and Emissions

Proposal Summary and Objectives

The integration of more sustainable vehicles in goods distribution and service delivery depends on a number of factors related to vehicle costs, technology, infrastructure, energy sources, and financial incentives (Feng and Figliozzi, 2012). Energy cost fluctuations and the rapid evolution of vehicle types and engine technologies creates a highly uncertain environment. Problems and issues faced by policy makers, transportation planners, and private companies are rapidly evolving over time. In addition, new vehicle technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones have the potential to disrupt last mile deliveries and supply chains.

The comparison of conventional diesel vehicles and cleaner vehicles is not straightforward because there are substantial tradeoffs regarding vehicles costs, payload, range, and supporting infrastructure. The comparison is even more complex regarding UAVs since this is a new vehicle type and technology. Furthermore, the regulatory framework may significantly affect UAV adoption rates as well as potential cost and environmental efficiencies. There is scant or no research that models the impact of regulations and safety constraints on UAVs last mile deliveries environmental, logistics and cost tradeoffs.

This research proposal builds upon research and models developed in 2017-18 (first phase) that focused on UAVs energy and emissions modeling (Figliozzi, 2017). The main goal of this proposal (phase two) is to develop robust tools and models to analyze the impacts of regulations and/or safety constraints on UAV costs and emissions. More specifically, this research project will: (1) review and analyze UAV regulations in the USA and abroad, (2) review and analyze UAV safety concerns, and (3) model and analyze the impact of regulations on UAVs costs and lifecycle CO2e emissions.

Funding Amount: $65,000
Status: Complete
Duration: Dec. 11, 2018 - Dec. 11, 2019