Feasibility of Multi-Configuration Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Last Mile Delivery of Medical Supplies

Abstract

Access to critical medicines is hindered throughout the world due to inadequate transportation, communication, or supply chain infrastructure. Numerous immunization programs in underdeveloped and developing countries face countless challenges in getting life-saving vaccines to those who need them the most. During the Covid-19 period, the shortcomings of the medical supply chain and delivery system were evident. Unmanned aerial vehicles play a vital role in delivering medical supplies; however, conventional multi-rotors have a limited flight time, which defines the range of the missions, whereas a plane has the capability of conducting long-range missions. Shortcomings of using planes for the operation is the need for a runway, limiting its reach in an urban environment due to the unavailability of space. We are proposing a multi-configuration unmanned aerial vehicle for medical supplies delivery. It is also referred to as Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), which can take off, and land without the need for the runway. Furthermore has extended operational range compared to the multi-rotors given its functional behavior as a plane. We have emulated aerial vehicles' configurations with real-life mission parameters and compared them with our proposed Unmanned aerial vehicles model. The design, fabrication process of the multi-configuration unmanned aerial vehicle for the medical supplies delivery is explained in detail in this paper.