Logistics 4.0 - use of drones

Developments in industry and retail mean that logistics must inevitably adapt. The trend towards Industry 4.0 and Retail 4.0 is creating new challenges for logistics companies. The use of drones has already proven its worth in search and rescue operations in the USA and is set to be used in a wide range of industries in the future. The use of drones could therefore also become an integral part of Logistics 4.0.

Previously in logistics

Drones are already being used in the areas of spare parts and emergency logistics. There, they impress with reliable deliveries to hard-to-reach locations such as high-altitude mountain stations and oil platforms. When these aircraft need spare parts, other spare parts suppliers are on hand. These service companies have specialized in these cases and offer a special speed service. The logistics specialists bring the required parts directly to the drone and repair them on site.

Progress in the commercial use of drones

Optimal logistics with the use of drones consists of the fusion of automatic evasion systems, autonomous delivery and storage. In some logistics companies, storage is already fully autonomous with the help of moving robots.

Delivery by drone could take place in the near future, as it is a rapidly growing technology and is becoming very popular. Many experts predict that more than 80% of deliveries will soon be covered by cargo drones. The drone market is booming and the global volume was already worth USD 30.6 billion in 2022. The further development of technology should also mean that heavy goods can be transported with the highest level of security. Long-haul drone flights with an aircraft size comparable to an A320 will then distribute goods across the globe. The website statista.com therefore forecasts a market volume of USD 55.8 billion by 2030.