How drones can complement trucks for last-mile delivery under aerial congestion

By Yanfeng Ouyang on 01/22/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Yanfeng Ouyang of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as he presents in person at the Spring 2026 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, January 22, from 2-3 p.m. (CT).

The Spring 2026 semester is set to feature 14 presentations, each addressing a topic related to innovation trends in aviation. See the full lineup of speakers for Spring 2026 semester.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://go.illinois.edu/KentSeminar

Meeting ID: 856 1731 4207  
Passcode: 019160

Abstract and Bio

Drone-based last-mile delivery systems are evaluated through a systematic analytical framework that compares systemwide operational cost and efficiency across three delivery models: drones launched from parked trucks near customer neighborhoods; drones launched from moving trucks touring customer neighborhoods; and as a benchmark traditional truck-only home delivery. Continuum approximation models are applied to analyze both truck routing and drone traffic under congestion in three-dimensional airspace. Results show that drone-based delivery outperforms conventional truck-only delivery overall and that when demand is relatively low or drone-related costs are high dispatching drones from moving trucks is the most efficient strategy.

Ouyang is the George Krambles Professor, Paul Kent Faculty Scholar, and Donald Willett Faculty Scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also serves as associate director for mobility at the Illinois Center for Transportation. Ouyang’s research focuses on the planning, operations and control of complex transportation and logistics systems. He earned a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2005.