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This all seems nice in theory to think of it has some utopian future with robots flying all around. However, the economics of small UAVs carrying cargo do not m
by iamleppert 11y ago
This all seems nice in theory to think of it has some utopian future with robots flying all around. However, the economics of small UAVs carrying cargo do not make sense. It simply isn't worth the cost and it isn't efficient to lift small amounts of weight. Otherwise FedEx, UPS would be doing it.
It's more efficient to use a large winged craft that has immense economies of scale in a hub and spoke distribution architecture, just like FedEx and UPS do.
Things may change in the future but right now the overhead of UAV flight is too significant. Also, too complicated. And keeping in mind it's much harder to control a lightweight craft in 20 mph wind than a large jet.
- skybrian 11y agoFrom the article: "The technology is not disruptive, but supplementary. Cargo drone routes will never replace road or railway, but they can add choice for the rapid sharing of precious cargo over mountain ranges, across lakes, and up rivers." FedEx and UPS use planes for long distances and trucks for the last few miles because the airports they need are large and expensive and we have good road networks. This article is talking about reaching places that don't have decent roads.
- copsarebastards 11y agoThis is especially relevant internationally: people in the West often forget that i.e. China has tons of mountains and much more limited transport infrastructure.