Loading...
1 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
- Enhancing Smart City Capabilities with the Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Unlocking Porto s PotentialPublication . Barateiro, João Gonçalo Lopes ; Dias, Veruska Mazza Rodrigues; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos ReisThe increasing number of urban residents presents growing challenges that require innovative and efficient solutions. Cities are looking for smarter approaches, which involve the optimization of resource usage and the improvement of public services, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life and overall satisfaction of residents through sustainable practices. Current and emerging innovative technologies provide effective tools for addressing urban challenges. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) present a valuable solution, due to their versatility, flexibility, efficient data collection methods, and lower environmental and economic impact compared to other technologies (e.g., helicopters, general aviation aircraft). UAS have been extensively studied as they offer a large variety of urban applications, such as monitoring, traffic management, and infrastructure inspection. In the near future, they are also expected to start carrying passengers and delivering goods in Europe, contributing to the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), a priority among the European Union’s (EU) sustainable urban mobility initiatives. This work proposed the application of a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis to qualitatively evaluate the key factors influencing the implementation of UAS in Porto, alongside the use of the TOWS matrix to define strategies of implementation. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FAHP) was used to identify the most relevant factors from the perspective of respondents with expertise in various relevant fields. Other quantitative methods were also applied to establish a prioritization order for the proposed strategies, aiming to identify initiatives that would position Porto closer to widely recognized smart cities. The obtained results were validated in a partnership with a UAS sector company based in the city under study. The combination of both stages allowed for the conclusion that Porto has significant potential for the implementation of UAS within the smart city paradigm. Among the key favourable factors are the city’s proactive, dynamic and collaborative nature - regarding the urban environment, and the environmental sustainability intrinsic to UAS – regarding the vehicle itself. Additionally, the potential for creation of jobs and business opportunities with the development of this industry emerged as the major benefit of this implementation. However, the study highlighted also substantial concerns regarding both the fragility of the current legislative framework and its constantly evolving nature, as well as the inherent complexity, all of which amplify the challenges associated with safety and security.