As the final week of testing concluded, Wing, a drone delivery company owned by Alphabet – the parent firm of Google – officially commenced operations in Melbourne.
Residents in select eastern suburbs can now utilize the DoorDash platform to access a range of culinary options, with orders delivered promptly via small aircraft.
Australia has witnessed its initial significant deployment of autonomous meal delivery. How do the implications of fast food culture on meal ordering and personal well-being intersect with our daily lives? Research into online meal supply platforms suggests that this added convenience may come at a cost to public health?
The on-demand meal delivery market is experiencing explosive growth, but a closer look reveals that many of these services are contributing to the nation’s poor eating habits.
In Australia, food delivery services akin to those offered by DoorDash and UberEats are commonly used. These customers typically fall within the age range of 25-34 and reside in major metropolitan areas.
The demand for meal delivery services is growing rapidly. In 2023, DoorDash reported a significant revenue growth, expanding from US$885 million (approximately A$1.4 billion) in 2019 to a substantial increase.
Research has consistently shown that the food options available and marketed through Australian online meal delivery platforms are predominantly unhealthy, with an alarming abundance of unhealthy choices readily available. Our findings have consistently shown that unhealthy foods receive preferential treatment, being prominently displayed with discounts and increased visibility on these platforms, while healthier options are often overlooked.
Autonomous supply guarantees greener comfort
Most of the world’s food supplies are currently transported and distributed by human labor. Supply chains are increasingly relying on robotics and drone technology to streamline operations.
The concept of “autonomous supply” is often associated with self-sufficient systems; however, the machines in question do not truly operate independently. As a substitute, they’ve become increasingly autonomous, functioning much like a self-driving automobile. The Wing aircraft claims to have been supervised by a single human pilot throughout its development and testing process.
Autonomous meal delivery services have successfully launched operations in the USA, United Kingdom, and select regions across Europe and Asia. Robots equipped with meals have traveled throughout the US, both locally and beyond. Because of its relatively limited scope, the potential public health implications of autonomous supply chains remain poorly comprehended.
As a more sustainable approach gains traction, autonomous supply delivery is being touted as a game-changer compared to traditional methods, with a single electric-powered quadcopter emitting significantly fewer carbon emissions than a conventional supply van.
According to one study, the environmental impact of drone delivery networks has been found to be approximately One robotic producer asserts that every one of its devices utilises significantly less power than.
Australians’ reliance on drone delivery to indulge in takeaway junk food is a growing concern.
Drone deliveries have been operational in Australia on a limited basis. Despite trying out several locations, Wing has encountered numerous instances of harassment and fowl assaults.
What factors do individuals typically consider when procuring a drone? The Australian public tends to exhibit a predominantly optimistic outlook when contemplating their future directions.
Australians surveyed in a recent study envision drones replacing human drivers as a consequence of evolving transportation needs. One study found that Australians reported being likely to adopt autonomous delivery services, stating that they would probably use them.
Despite this, survey participants also thought that drone-delivered supplies could lead to an increase in the availability of unhealthy food and drinks.
As online meal delivery platforms struggle with unhealthy options, there is growing enthusiasm for drone-based food supply chains.
The drone delivery industry may concentrate on catering to the food sector’s unique logistical needs.
Online meal supply platforms are predominantly controlled by large, multinational technology companies. Highly effective firms have faced criticism for their lack of transparency, inadequate compliance, and poor governance practices.
As drone-based meal delivery gains traction, significant attention is likely to shift towards online food delivery companies and large tech firms operating drone services, potentially concentrating power in their hands. As corporate giants prioritize business interests, a surge in initiatives aimed at supporting customer health is observed, with companies increasingly focusing on the wellbeing of their clients.
In Australia, Wing – the country’s sole licence holder for drone deliveries, focusing on medical supplies – has played a key role in shaping new drone regulations. The corporation is increasingly investing in the ground floor of buildings.
As autonomous delivery becomes increasingly prevalent, we may well witness individuals relying on it to consume more indulgent foods and drinks – unless delivery platforms proactively promote health alongside convenience.
