Drones can complement future transport systems

Drones are often highlighted as a possible solution for future transport. But how sustainable are they really, and what role could they play in the transport system? These are questions that Aishwarya Raghunatha has explored in her doctoral thesis on civilian drones. On 13 March she defended her thesis at the University of Gävle within the Future-Proof Cities doctoral school.

As a doctoral student in the research school, she has combined academic research with work outside the university. During her doctoral studies she has worked at the company Independent Business Group, which has meant moving between research and practice.

“Working in both environments gives you two perspectives. Experiences from practice also make the research more relevant.”

At the same time, she describes the doctoral journey as a long and rewarding learning process.

“A PhD is a long learning experience. You encounter many different perspectives and learn from different scientific fields. A large part of the journey is also about finding your own voice as a researcher.”

Contact with the other doctoral students in the research school has also been an important part of the programme.

“We have been able to discuss our projects and support each other along the way. That has meant a lot.”

Drones as part of the transport system

In her thesis, Aishwarya Raghunatha has studied how civilian drones could become part of future transport systems. The technology is developing rapidly and is often presented as a potential solution for more efficient transport.

However, her research shows that the picture is more complex.

“New technologies can create both opportunities and challenges. That is why it is important to understand how they affect society before they are implemented on a larger scale.”

One of the central findings of the thesis is that drones are unlikely to replace existing transport systems. Instead, they may function as a complement, particularly in parts of logistics.

“Drones cannot replace existing modes of transport. They can instead act as a complementary technology.”

How sustainable they are also depends largely on how the technology is used. Factors such as the type of drone, the environment in which it operates and which types of transport it replaces all play an important role.

Technology and society are interconnected

In her research, Aishwarya Raghunatha has therefore chosen to study drones from a socio-technical perspective. This means that she looks not only at the technology itself, but also at how it interacts with society, regulations and planning.

“Technology influences how societies develop and how we think about the future. That is why it is not enough to study the technology alone. We also need to understand the social and political dimensions.”

Another important conclusion of the thesis is that the development of new technology needs to be guided at an early stage. If drones are to contribute to more sustainable transport systems, both thoughtful policy decisions and careful planning are required.

“Just because a vehicle is electric does not automatically mean that it is environmentally friendly.”

Research on emerging technology

Research on civilian drones is still at an early stage, and much remains to be explored. Through her thesis, Aishwarya Raghunatha has contributed to a better understanding of how emerging technologies like drones can be explored and analysed at an early stage, and how socio-technical aspects can be integrated into transport systems to support sustainable transitions.