Public description
Last mile logistics accounts for 53% of supply chain costs. Coupled with the need to reduce carbon emissions, retailers and logistics operators are currently researching the use of Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for last-mile delivery of goods to consumers. The NHS is currently trialling the use of UAVs to speed-up delivery of medications in response to Covid19.
This project will produce a national suitability map of UAV landing sites for every address in Great Britain. This world-first data-set - LandSafe - will help operators assess the feasibility of UAV deliveries and support the creation of flight-safe corridors for UAVs to be used for consumer deliveries, emergency response and health care services.
LandSafe will be created using a geospatial algorithm that will geographically determine whether each property has a suitable landing site. The algorithm will assess potential landing sites to see whether sufficient flat-ground is available and avoid aerial obstructions such as masts, pylons, and restricted airspace. When a suitable location is found the algorithm will provide the precise coordinates, enabling UAVs to navigate to their destinations safely and effectively.
This project support's the UK's Geospatial Strategy by helping the adoption of UAVs for last-mile delivery, reducing transport costs, road congestion and carbon emissions.
The resulting LandSafe data-set will enable:
retailers to conduct commercial feasibility analysis of UAV last-mile delivery for all properties at the regional or national-scale
support existing R&D in UAV deliveries by providing precise landing location coordinates for UAV navigation software
enable online retailers to offer UAV delivery options at point-of-sale by verifying that a safe landing site exists at a customer's address.
The project will be undertaken by Addresscloud, a company that specialises in geocoding, property intelligence and geographic risk information services. Addresscloud processes thousands of addresses every day, powering well-known brands like Riverford Organic Farms by helping them deliver organic produce to the right address, first-time and on-time. LandSafe will extend Addresscloud's logistics capability and enable the UK to become a world-leader in the emerging UAV delivery market, helping make deliveries faster, more-efficient and environmentally friendly.