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Environmental Implications of Drone-Based Delivery Systems: A Structured Literature Review

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  • Abhijeet Kumar

    (Data Analytics, The Robert W. Plaster School of Business, Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO 64801, USA)

  • Victor Prybutok

    (Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences, G. Brint Ryan College of Business, and the Toulouse Graduate School, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA)

  • Vikas Kumar Reddy Sangana

    (Department of Supply Chain Management, G. Brint Ryan College of Business, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA)

Abstract

This study presents a structured review of 59 academic articles, identified through an extensive literature survey, focused on the environmental implications of drone-based delivery systems within the broader fields of transportation, logistics, and sustainability. The reviewed journals cover a multidisciplinary range of topics, reflecting the intersection of drone technology with environmental science, logistics management, and operational research. Key journals, such as Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, Computers and Industrial Engineering, and Applied Mathematical Modelling, offer critical insights into how drone technology can reshape logistics systems, reduce environmental impacts, and contribute to intelligent transportation solutions. In addition, niche publications in areas like artificial intelligence, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable transportation further enhance the breadth of this review. By identifying and categorizing these publications, this review provides a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners aiming to explore the environmental and operational challenges of drone-based delivery systems, while also offering a foundation for future research on their sustainability and integration into existing logistics frameworks.

Suggested Citation

  • Abhijeet Kumar & Victor Prybutok & Vikas Kumar Reddy Sangana, 2025. "Environmental Implications of Drone-Based Delivery Systems: A Structured Literature Review," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:7:y:2025:i:1:p:24-:d:1610515
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Ning & Mutzner, Nico & Blanchet, Karl, 2023. "Societal acceptance of urban drones: A scoping literature review," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    2. Marmiroli, Benedetta & Venditti, Mattia & Dotelli, Giovanni & Spessa, Ezio, 2020. "The transport of goods in the urban environment: A comparative life cycle assessment of electric, compressed natural gas and diesel light-duty vehicles," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    3. Peppel, Marcel & Ringbeck, Jürgen & Spinler, Stefan, 2022. "How will last-mile delivery be shaped in 2040? A Delphi-based scenario study," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
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