UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS IN LOGISTICS – LEGAL REGULATION AND WORLDWIDE EXAMPLES TOWARD USE IN CROATIA

Abstract

Business logistics is important for delivering products in time, without damage and with the lowest possible costs. With current technology developments, there are many ideas and projects about how to reach this goal. One of these developments includes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) - widely known as drones, for use in logistics as a tool to deliver products to their final users.

The use of unmanned aircraft systems is not new and they are presently used for different applications worldwide, from military purposes to filming and crop control. Recently the idea about using drones in logistics has been tested by different logistics companies for different purposes, from last mile deliveries of ordered products to deliveries from fast food restaurants. Due to this the question arises - can it be done in Croatia? If yes, by whom, and for what purposes in logistics?

This paper will provide a definition of unmanned aircraft systems and present various applications thereof, as well as the types currently used throughout the world. Since unmanned aircraft systems are starting to become a part of logistics, different examples of drones’ use in logistics worldwide are presented. We will analyse legal regulation in Croatia, possible problems, and will also consider who could be potential users of unmanned aircraft systems in logistics, either for last mile deliveries or for some other purpose. In conclusion, we will propose further research in this field and how it may influence further development of business logistics

Key words: unmanned aircraft systems, drones, legal regulation, logistics, Republic of Croatia