Innovating Material Handling by Unmanned Technology in Logistics: Opportunities and Strategies

The use of unmanned technologies, specifically Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), holds promise in addressing challenges in industrial logistics, particularly in material handling. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of an integrated unmanned system for optimizing material transportation within a major Italian railway maintenance facility. The study focuses on the application of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and seeks to understand their potential benefits in addressing logistical challenges. This innovative study also aims to develop a reliable command and control system for joint UAV usage, an unprecedented goal within such an operational context. The company's interest, the National Research Council (CNR)'s strong contribution, and the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC)'s willingness to engage, which has been partnered in the measure of a simple consultation, have validated the idea and the path for adopting unmanned vehicles, specifically drones, for component transportation. The paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the technological innovation in the logistics sector, highlighting how UGVs and UAVs can pave the way for new services and opportunities. Their implementation anticipates a significant reduction in operational risks, improved environmental impact, and reduced energy consumption across various sectors. These characteristics play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable and innovative future for the logistics industry