Modelling of unmanned aerial vehicle deliveries in populated urban areas for risk management

Abstract

Study of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been focused on military and special mission requirements. Flying such machines in populated urban environment has not been investigated. In this study, the risks of using UAVs to deliver goods to customers has been analysed. Based on the operating constraints and commercial reality, the delivery system is designed and simulated using a complex spatial simulation system STK so that some of the risks can be evaluated. The outcomes of this analysis is used to mitigate the flight time restriction as well as providing good understanding of the communication networks. The spatial modelling system consists of a scenario modelling system, delivery route planning, flight path simulation, communication analysis. Two of the four risks have been considered and planned while the remaining two risks need more complex simulation processes and are expected to be developed in conjunction with a mathematical system such as MATLAB.