Drone Integration in Vehicle Routing: Advancements, Challenges, and E-Commerce Urban Applications

This chapter examines the integration of drones into Vehicle Routing Problems (VRPs) and their impact on e-commerce and urban logistics. It highlights the benefits of drone delivery, focusing on last-mile logistics, with advantages such as reduced delivery times, cost-effectiveness, and expanded regional coverage. Drones also support environmental sustainability by lowering carbon emissions and promoting energy-efficient operations, aligning with ecological goals. The chapter reviews advancements in technology, optimization models, and routing techniques that enhance drone utility in congested urban areas. However, successful adoption faces challenges, including technical issues, security risks, public acceptance, and legal constraints. By analyzing these limitations, the chapter provides an overview of the current state of drone delivery in VRPs and offers practical recommendations to address these barriers, enabling improved integration of drones into urban logistics while advancing sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.