Over half of Australian consumers (54%) are comfortable with drone and self-propelled vehicle delivery, according to a recent survey by mobile and IoT management solutions provider, SOTI.

Further, the receptiveness of Australian consumers to drone delivery is well ahead of consumer sentiment across the globe. In its 2020 State of Mobility Retail Report, SOTI found that 31% were in favour of delivery drones and even countries that were a little more cautious in other areas of the survey (the UK and Germany) had 25% of consumers comfortable with drone delivery.

SOTI Australia and New Zealand managing director, Michael Dyson said the supply chain industry is one that is used to adapting and evolving to meet ever increasing consumer expectations.

“With the rise of online shopping, we’ve also seen an increase in demand from consumers for faster delivery; something that has been particularly highlighted by the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.

“With Australian consumers now familiar with, and open to, the idea of having the products they buy online delivered by drones, it is only a matter of time before local supply chains will face new pressures to transform and cater to this new delivery channel.”

The report also found that consumers globally are open to the use of other emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicle delivery (27%). Interestingly, the concept of trust was taken a step further for 19% of US respondents who said they would be comfortable with a delivery driver entering their home via a smart lock to leave purchases inside.

“With consumer enthusiasm in Australia now high for drone delivery, the supply chain industry will need to evolve to include drones in the delivery matrix,” Dyson added.

“It is vital that Australian retailers and logistics providers gain consumer trust and adoption of new supply chain technologies, such as drones, to ensure they are able to fully capitalize on this new opportunity.

“Supply chains must seamlessly integrate drone and other new supply chain technologies to ensure the technology works for both the consumer and business. Consumer expectations are higher than ever before, and when brand loyalty comes down to consumers easily ordering and receiving their purchases as quickly as possible, there is no room for error in the supply chain.”