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Exploring obstacles to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in emergency rescue: A BWM-DEMATEL approach

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  • Li, Tao
  • Fei, Liguo

Abstract

With science and technology developments, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications in emergency rescue has attracted increasing attention. However, despite their significant advantages, UAVs encounter multiple obstacles in practical applications. Using a hybrid of the best-worst method (BWM) and decision testing and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method (BWM-DEMATEL), this study systematically identifies and analyzes the key obstacles affecting UAV use in emergency rescue. First, through literature review and expert interviews, an obstacle factor system is established comprising six primary indicators: technical limitations, operation and training, law and regulations, environmental adaptability, cost and resources, social acceptance, and ethics. Then, BWM is used to screen the primary and secondary indicators, and a new indicator system is determined for the next step. Next, the causal relationship between the obstacles is analyzed using the DEMATEL method, which reveals the internal structure and interactions between obstacles. The results show that technical limitations, operation and training, law and regulations, and cost and resources are the four most important primary indicators. Essentially, these are the key factors hindering the wide application of UAVs in emergency rescue. Finally, some suggestions and strategies are proposed to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for more efficient UAV applications in emergency rescue.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Tao & Fei, Liguo, 2025. "Exploring obstacles to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in emergency rescue: A BWM-DEMATEL approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:81:y:2025:i:c:s0160791x25000533
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102863
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jida Liu & Yuwei Song & Shi An & Changqi Dong, 2022. "How to Improve the Cooperation Mechanism of Emergency Rescue and Optimize the Cooperation Strategy in China: A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-27, January.
    2. Mohamed, Nader & Al-Jaroodi, Jameela & Jawhar, Imad & Idries, Ahmed & Mohammed, Farhan, 2020. "Unmanned aerial vehicles applications in future smart cities," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    3. Dario Floreano & Robert J. Wood, 2015. "Science, technology and the future of small autonomous drones," Nature, Nature, vol. 521(7553), pages 460-466, May.
    4. Rezaei, Jafar, 2015. "Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 49-57.
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    1. Ali, Yousaf & Khan, Amin Ullah, 2025. "A framework for disrupting extremist recruitment in a developing country: Mapping pathways and prioritizing interventions," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 47(6), pages 1180-1200.

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