Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Agile Supply Chains

Abstract

This paper presents the possibility of using unmanned aerial vehicles in the supply chain to increase operation flexibility and to gain the desired level of agility. The article outlines the barriers to supply chain operations in urban areas, identifies factors limiting the flexibility of supply chains in the area of delivery to the customer. Attention is also paid to low emission zones being developed in cities which is an important constraint from a European perspective. The concept of the drone is introduced together with a brief history of the development of unmanned aerial vehicles over the years. Possible uses of drones are illustrated showing the versatility of this technology. These are the specific objectives of the paper. Due to the seriousness of the problem the authors take into account the limited supply of oil as a factor that significantly affects supply chain operations not only in urban areas but one that will increase in impact in the long run. The presentation of current legal issues regarding the use of drones and concerns arising from their increasing use - though a significant part of the paper - should be considered a secondary topic.