Emerging Technologies in Humanitarian Operations: A Feasibility Study on the Integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in last-mile delivery at the ICRC

Topic

This thesis explores the feasibility of integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into humanitarian logistics, focusing on last-mile delivery operations within the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It examines operational, organizational, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of UAV deployment in humanitarian contexts. Using insights from field and headquarters staff, the research investigates how drones could support the ICRC’s mission in complex and resource-limited environments, particularly in delivering urgent, lightweight medical supplies to remote areas.

Relevance

In humanitarian logistics, last-mile delivery remains a critical yet highly constrained phase, especially in conflict zones or poor infrastructure regions. UAVs are increasingly seen as a promising innovation to overcome access and time challenges. For practitioners, understanding whether and how drones can be integrated into humanitarian supply chains is essential for operational planning and risk management. This study is directly relevant to logistics coordinators and planners who must assess not just technical feasibility but also community perception, staff readiness, and regulatory compliance.

Results

The study finds that while UAVs present notable advantages, such as the ability to deliver high-value medical goods quickly to inaccessible locations, significant barriers obstruct their adoption at the ICRC. These include organizational challenges (internal readiness, decentralized structure), ethical concerns (community mistrust and reputational risks), and regulatory constraints (restrictions in conflict zones). The research concludes that, although drones are not currently viable for full-scale deployment, targeted pilot projects in low-risk settings could serve to build internal experience, especially when aligned with humanitarian mandates and supported by strong community engagement.

Implications for Practitioners

• Conduct small-scale UAV pilot projects in low-risk, stable regions to test feasibility.
• Prioritize high-value, time-sensitive deliveries such as lightweight medical supplies.
• Ensure alignment with humanitarian principles and core organizational mandates.
• Engage proactively with local communities and authorities to manage perception risks.
• Invest in staff training and internal coordination for UAV operations.

Methods

The thesis adopts a qualitative, exploratory research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ICRC staff members stationed at headquarters in Geneva and in various field delegations. Participants were selected for their involvement in logistics and innovative functions. The data were analyzed using the Gioia methodology, which enabled structured coding and the identification of key themes across four aggregate dimensions: operational, organizational, ethical, and regulatory. The approach ensured that findings were grounded in the practical experiences and perceptions of those engaged in humanitarian missions.