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UK Civil Aviation Authority reveals roadmap for major increase in drone deliveries
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a plan that will see drones fly regularly and routinely beyond line of sight, unlocking benefits across society.
The roadmap details how a future in which drones carry out tasks like transporting specialised chemotherapy drugs to hospitals, mail to remote locations and even carrying defibrillators to emergencies can be achieved.
The plan focuses on two critical milestones: demonstrating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) activities by the end of this year and establishing routine BVLOS operations by 2027.
However, integrating these operations into the UK's airspace presents many complex challenges. The Civil Aviation Authority is working with industry to fully understand these challenges. The new document will evolve with industry, ensuring that the sector is a constant part of the journey to enable UK BVLOS operations.
Sophie O’Sullivan, Programme Director for Future of Flight at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Drones have the potential to transform our lives but to make that future possible we need to lay strong foundations for the future.
“Our delivery model shows how we will protect the public while enabling this exciting new technology.
“It is vital that we create the right rules and regulations that current and new airspace users are all happy with while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
Ellis Shelton, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Advisor said: “In enabling drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), the CAA's roadmap opens the door to a faster, more efficient delivery network capable of reaching remote and hard-to-access areas.
“The potential for drones to transport critical goods such as medical supplies and mail is just the beginning of a new era in logistics. For freight companies, the promise of routine BVLOS operations by 2027 signals a future where time-sensitive deliveries can be carried out with greater speed and precision.
“This could lead to a dramatic reduction in delivery times, especially for rural or geographically isolated locations, where traditional transportation methods are slower or less efficient."
Published On: 03/10/2024 13:40:00
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News In Brief
DPD begins delivery by robot in nationwide roll-out
Parcel delivery company DPD has confirmed plans to launch autonomous robot deliveries in Lincoln as part of a nationwide initiative that could see up to 30 UK depots operating them in their locality.
DPD first introduced robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022, and they are now also out delivering parcels to DPD customers in Raunds and Bristol, with more locations to follow this year.
Based at DPD’s Lincoln depot at St Modwens Park, the robots will deliver to the nearby village of Witham St Hughs, via the existing network of footpaths.
The robots, which have a battery life of up to 12 hours and can deliver within a mile radius of the depot, operate autonomously once they have completed the mapping process, during which the robot is fully supervised and controlled by remote control.
DPD parcel recipients receive an SMS when the robot is outside their property and can then use a secure one-time pin code to open the robot and access their parcel.
Once the compartment is closed, the robot will either continue to its next delivery or return to the depot. The robots can complete up to 30 deliveries a day.
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