Drones in Delivery: Exploring Consumer Acceptance of New Last-Mile Technology

What is it about?

This text discusses a research study on the adoption of consumer drone usage in delivery processes. The study utilizes the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and employs PLS-SEM analysis. The research examines people's thoughts, perceptions, attitudes, and intentions towards using drones for last-mile delivery. Eight hypotheses were tested, with only one (H5) being rejected. The results indicate that people are generally open to technological innovations and have a positive outlook on using drones for future product deliveries. The study found significant relationships between various factors, including attitude, intention, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, compatibility, and performance expectancy. The research highlights the potential for drone technology in delivery processes, particularly as e-commerce volumes continue to increase globally.

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Photo by Jason Mavrommatis on Unsplash

Photo by Jason Mavrommatis on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is significant because it examines the adoption of consumer drone usage in delivery services, a rapidly evolving aspect of e-commerce. As online shopping continues to grow exponentially, understanding consumer attitudes towards innovative delivery methods like drones is crucial for businesses and policymakers. The study's use of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides valuable insights into the factors influencing consumer acceptance of this new technology, which can guide future implementation strategies and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the research contributes to the broader understanding of how people adapt to and accept emerging technologies in their daily lives. Key Takeaways: 1. Consumer Readiness: The study reveals that people are generally open to technological innovations and have a positive outlook on using drones for product delivery, indicating a potentially smooth adoption process for this technology in the future. 2. Influencing Factors: The research identifies key factors affecting the intention to use drone delivery, including attitude, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and performance expectancy, providing valuable information for companies looking to implement drone delivery systems. 3. Regulatory Challenges: The study highlights the current limitations of drone technology and regulatory restrictions in Turkey, emphasizing the need for further technological advancements and policy developments to enable widespread adoption of drone delivery services.