Contributions from the Drone Delivery System in Thailand to Environmental Pollution

Abstract

In recent years, the great development of science and technology together with social movements and commerce has shaped the design and use of commercial drones. This particular emerging technology has boosted the speed and ability of online shopping systems to provide customers ever faster delivery. In addition, Global Warming Potential (GMP) is the most serious impact to people and environment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from transportation is one of the main contributors contributing to GHG emissions which result in higher number of GWP. Drones should have a reduced GWP impact and other environmental impacts in which these help reduce the number of delivery trucks or other transportation options traveling on roads. In addition, as road infrastructure challenges especially in rural areas, drone delivery systems are able to transport freight across remote supply chain. The use of drones appears to be an important approach because they are not only inexpensive and easily available but can also travel on individual direct routes. In this study by establishing a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework, all emissions from a drone delivery system in rural areas in Chiang Mai, Thailand will be evaluated. The results show that the drone’s part production is the main contributor of all impact categories.