Literature Synthesis of Emerging Last-Mile Delivery Technologies and their Applications to Rural Areas: Drones, Autonomous Delivery Vehicles, and Truck-Drones

Rural areas have the distinct opportunity to become trendsetters of innovation and technology, molding and optimizing delivery advances to operate in a way that meets their needs. Drones, autonomous delivery vehicles (ADVs), and truck-drones have the potential to improve rural delivery services significantly. However, rural environments have considerably different characteristics than urban or suburban areas. Therefore, delivery services must be evaluated specifically for the rural use case because the outcome of rural drone delivery is likely different from urban. This study conducted a systematic literature review about the current state-of-the-art drone, ADV, and truck-drone package delivery in rural areas (excluding medical or healthcare delivery). Drones can significantly reduce rural delivery emissions and costs while increasing efficiency. ADVs have the potential to greatly improve rural delivery efficiency. The truck-drone solution is one of the best mode choices for rural delivery because the truck can travel longer distances while the drone can cross challenging geography without delay. The literature review identified a general need for more drone, ADV, and truck-drone delivery research focusing on rural locations. There also is a need for research about the specific economic, environmental, and societal impacts of drone, ADV, and truck-drone delivery in rural areas. There is a significant gap in the literature on realistic rural delivery modeling and gaps about attitudes and perceptions of drone, ADV, and truck-drone delivery services in rural areas. With additional research, innovative delivery modes and technologies can become more cost-effective, accessible, and efficient in rural areas.