Revolutionizing urban deliveries: Decoding user acceptance for drones and robots in a sustainable future

Research Background:

In the bustling world of e-commerce, last-mile delivery—the final stretch from warehouse to doorstep—has become a hotspot for innovation, yet it's plagued by traffic congestion, high emissions, and soaring customer demands for speed and sustainability. As urban areas grapple with environmental challenges, zero-emission autonomous technologies like delivery drones and sidewalk robots are stepping up as game-changers. Over the past five years, research has exploded on how people feel about these futuristic couriers, but until now, no one had pieced together a full comparison. This groundbreaking review synthesizes global questionnaire-based studies, pinpointing what makes users embrace or shy away from drone and robot deliveries, and why understanding these factors is key to slashing urban pollution and streamlining logistics for a greener planet.
 

Results and Benefits

Diving into dozens of worldwide studies, this review uncovers shared acceptance drivers for both drones and sidewalk robots, such as perceived usefulness in saving time and reducing human error, alongside concerns like privacy risks and ease of use. Yet, it also spotlights unique quirks: drones often spark worries about aerial safety and noise, while robots raise questions on sidewalk navigation and interaction with pedestrians. These insights aren't one-size-fits-all—they shift with demographics (like age or tech-savviness) and locations (urban vs. rural settings), adding nuance to the picture. Socially, the payoffs are huge: widespread adoption could cut last-mile emissions dramatically, easing city traffic and supporting sustainable e-commerce growth. For businesses and policymakers, this means smarter strategies—think targeted marketing that addresses specific fears—potentially boosting user trust and accelerating tech rollout, as evidenced by the surge in empirical data showing positive correlations between awareness and acceptance in diverse global surveys.

Future Application Prospects

Imagine drones zipping medical supplies to remote areas or robots dodging crowds to deliver groceries in megacities—these technologies could transform last-mile logistics, integrating seamlessly into smart cities and hybrid delivery networks. Looking ahead, the review calls for hands-on research beyond questionnaires: real-world trials testing how users interact with actual deliveries, especially for different package types like perishables or valuables. This could refine designs, such as enhancing robot AI for better pedestrian avoidance or drone algorithms for precise landings, leading to safer, more efficient systems. Policymakers might craft regulations that prioritize privacy and safety, while companies invest in user education programs to build familiarity, ultimately fostering broader acceptance and paving the way for autonomous tech in sectors like healthcare and retail.

Conclusion

This pioneering comparative review isn't just academic—it's a blueprint for ushering in an era of autonomous deliveries that harmonize innovation with everyday life. By illuminating common and tech-specific acceptance factors, it empowers stakeholders to overcome barriers, boost public trust, and drive environmental wins, ensuring drones and robots become trusted allies in sustainable urban living rather than sci-fi novelties.

Author: Sergio Bagarello ^a b, Dario Campagna ^a, Ivano Benedetti ^a b

Title of original paper: A comparative review of user acceptance factors for drones and sidewalk robots in autonomous last mile delivery

Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277315372500060X

Journal: Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation

DOI: 10.1016/j.geits.2025.100310

Authors:
Didem Cicek ^a, Burak Kantarci ^a, Sandra Schillo ^b

Affiliations:

^aFaculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

^bTelfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada