Design and Development of UAV Systems for Logistics Networks and Operations

Dear Colleagues,

(1) Logistics networks and operations with drones need optimization and AI-driven systems to meet future demands, such as efficient transport, smart delivery, route tracking, and environmental sustainability. Thereby, they enable autonomous, adaptive, dynamic and sustainable distribution networks by means of deep learning in addition to mathematical optimization to handle changing conditions. Efficient drone logistics requires optimized resource allocation, flight control, and decentralized intelligence for tasks like route adjustments and conflict avoidance. Scalability poses another challenge, as the logistics network will expand and evolve over time. Furthermore, recent advances in communication systems, sensory intelligence, and AI-driven optimization are making it possible to integrate UAVs into large-scale logistics infrastructures. Emerging paradigms such as edge and cloud computing, 5G/6G connectivity, and machine learning enable dynamic route optimization, predictive maintenance, and real-time decision-making across interconnected fleets. At the same time, challenges persist in cybersecurity, energy efficiency, and the coordination of multi-agent swarm systems operating in both controlled and non-controlled airspace.

(2) This Special Issue invites contributions that address the design, development, and deployment of UAV technologies for logistics and transportation systems. The goal is to explore innovative approaches for optimizing and integrating drone logistics systems encouraging interdisciplinary studies that link aeronautical engineering, automation, AI, and operations research to enhance the reliability, scalability, and sustainability of drone-based delivery and transport networks. Topics of interest include both operational and UAV-related innovations. Specifically, we seek contributions to AI-supported combinatorial optimization to enhance operational efficiency, resilience analysis, design and conceptualization of transfer stations, packaging logistics to ensure smooth material flow and the planning and operation of drone airlines addressing economic, sustainability and social aspects to promote responsible drone operations. Further, we seek contributions to intelligent sensing, communication and control architectures of UAVs, autonomous take-off and landing, conflict resolution within drone airline operations, cybersecurity, augmented reality interfaces, energy optimization, and regulation. Through this Special Issue, we seek innovative research that bridges theory and application, paving the way for intelligent, networked, and socially responsible UAV operations in global logistics.

(3) Themes: sensors, structural design, power supply, control systems, performance, mission planning, security systems, autonomy, navigation and position, autonomous take-off and landing, machine learning, optimization, simultaneous localization and mapping, controlled and non-controlled airspace, meteorology, regulations, economic impact, ecological impact, social impact, infrastructure (as long as the theme is connected to logistics systems and operations).

Article types: original articles

Prof. Dr. Andreas Schwung
Prof. Dr. Stefan Lier
Prof. Dr. João Paulo Javidi da Costa
Prof. Dr. Edison Pignaton De Freitas
Guest Editors

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• UAV
• advanced communication systems
• cybersecurity
• intelligent transportation
• smart logistics
• autonomous distribution
• machine learning
• integration with augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR)
• swarm systems
• sensor intelligence