Análise logística para a substituição de motoboys por drones em uma cidade de porte médio: estudo de caso em Uberlândia-MG

Abstract

Urban logistics is becoming a critical issue in an increasingly urbanized world, facing significant challenges due to population growth and changes in goods flows driven by globalization. In this context, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or Drones, emerge as an innovative solution, offering agility, mobility and access to hard-to-reach areas, in addition to being part of sustainable transportation systems. This study analyzed the feasibility of using drones in small-volume delivery logistics in the urban area of Uberlandia-MG in order to represent medium-sized cities, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction and environmental impacts. In addition, this research also analyzes the advantages and challenges of implementing this technology considering its technical and operational aspects, then comparing it with the use of motorcycles as a delivery mode, which is today a viable alternative for urban logistics. It is verified that the use of drones has advantages in terms of cost and in reducing CO₂ emissions, but there are challenges to be overcome for its implementation to become a reality in Brazil, mainly in relation to delivery safety.