Navigating the Skies: A Serious Game for Exploring Drone Energy Consumption, Flight Risk, and Societal Impact in Logistics.

Abstract

A logistics drone routing game utilising modelled flight risk and energy consumption data is presented, and its design elements are discussed. The game has been developed as part of a multi-disciplinary research project tasked with generating new understanding of the energy use and risks associated with drone use in logistics alongside the wider implications for society. The game aims to engage with a non-specialist, adult audience on the risk and energy implications associated with where logistics drones may fly. People’s views of this new transport mode are gathered to support the wider research project. Use of the Unity3D engine and tilemap system are explored to provide an engaging context for users to build their own flight paths to solve drone delivery problems. The integration of modelled drone flight risk and energy data into the game is examined, as well as the utilisation of satellite imagery and geographic data. This data allows for a realistic representation of the route planning problem and for the simulation of drone flights along user-defined paths. Preliminary findings from two pilot trials indicate the game's effectiveness in engaging audiences and stimulating discussions about drone deliveries. Conference attendees are invited to experience a demonstration of the game.