Drones and the Future of Passenger Car Rental

Overview

The global car rental market was valued at $92.92 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $214.04 billion by 2027. As technology advances, the future of the industry could be drastically changed by the incorporation of drone technology to offer memorable, luxurious and efficient experiences. Drones, combined with elements such as artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology, are set to introduce several major changes in this business model, in elements such as vehicle delivery, maintenance, and even the core service of passenger transport.

Drones and Vehicle Delivery

Car rental companies could harness the power of drones to enhance their vehicle delivery services. In recent years, drones have seen a meteoric rise in diverse applications, and the global drone service market size is expected to grow from $4.4 billion in 2018 to $63.6 billion by 2025. With their ability to bypass traffic and reach remote areas, drones could take over vehicle delivery and drop-off processes, reducing operative times and costs. Research suggests that drones can deliver packages 80% cheaper than traditional delivery methods.

Drones and Maintenance

Integration of drones into the car rental industry can also prove beneficial for vehicle maintenance. With advancements in technology, 40% of all commercial drone usage could be allocated to business operations. Drones equipped with a combination of AI technology and high-resolution cameras can easily conduct vehicle inspections, detect breakdowns, and assess damage. This provides an intuitive and efficient way for rental companies to maintain the standard of their fleet.

Drones and Passenger Transport

Looking into the distant future, car rental services may evolve into passenger drone services. With the growing trend of autonomous vehicles, the concept is not too far off. TechSci Research predicts that the global market for self-driving vehicles is set to expand incredibly from $54.23 billion in 2019 to $556.67 billion by 2026. If passenger drones become a reality, they would revolutionize the car rental business model, offering travellers quick and efficient door-to-door transportation without the concerns of traffic or parking.

Key Takeaways

• The global car rental market is projected to reach $214.04 billion by 2027.
• The drone service market is expected to grow from $4.4 billion in 2018 to $63.6 billion by 2025.
• Drones can deliver packages 80% cheaper than traditional delivery methods.
• 40% of all commercial drone usage could be allocated to business operations.
• The market for self-driving vehicles is set to grow from $54.23 billion in 2019 to $556.67 billion by 2026.

3Laws Robotics and Its Potential in the Car Rental Industry

3Laws Robotics is set to play a key role in this future, through its innovative software developed to enhance safety and reliability for robotics systems. The technology addresses significant pain points such as certification - a primary focus of 3Laws is the simplification of the certification process.

Built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), 3Laws Supervisor offers robust safety features and evidence of system robustness, thereby potentially easing the certification path. CBFs provide mathematically provable safety and can be adapted to work on platforms such as drones, creating a safer process of car delivery and maintenance.

In addition, 3Laws' technology enables safe and uninterrupted operation of robotics near humans, thus ensuring safety when intermingling with passengers or staff in the rental business. The software is also capable of reactive collision avoidance, essential for enabling drones in dynamic environments.

3Laws' focus on operational efficiency - through the minimization of downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions - is a significant asset for the car rental industry, which thrives on seamless operations. By offering a proactive approach to safety that can unlock the full potential of robotics, 3Laws positions itself as a vital contributor to the potential integration of drone technology in the car rental industry.