Bouwend Nederland advocates for drone use in construction logistics

Bouwend Nederland, the Dutch construction industry organization, is calling for more flexible regulations to facilitate the use of drones for transporting building materials. The organization aims to engage with policymakers to establish new practical trials for both vertical transport to high-rise sites and horizontal transport between hubs, suppliers, and construction projects.

Research indicates that drones are technically capable of transporting small materials and tools. A pilot project at the BaanTower in Rotterdam demonstrated significant efficiency gains, where a drone delivered materials to the 29th floor in approximately three minutes, compared to eleven to sixteen minutes using a construction lift. Similar tests were conducted in Rijswijk and Katwijk.

Despite technical feasibility, obstacles remain regarding integration into existing construction processes. Challenges include coordinating drone flights with cranes, establishing suitable landing sites, conducting risk analyses, and securing necessary permits. The organization is also pushing for standardization and the ability to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) to increase operational capacity.