I live close to a port and, trust me, drones are already in extensive usage there. They aren't lifting containers by themselves (yet), but they help monitor the safety of workers and track daily metrics.
I actually did not even consider the fact that DAV could decentralize even automotive manufacturing. My consideration had been more towards cutting out the corporate presence in service stations and transport.
But wow, you are onto a good point. It could play a role in manufacturing too, but yes, the impact would likely be negligible or difficult to realize.
I dont know why but i somehow confused transportation with drones carrying humans - as drone cabs, and not drones used in logistics. You're right about delivery using drones though. I think everyone has seen videos of amazon's drones delivering products (not sure if its only testing mode or being run in select areas or cities)
Drones are playing a growing role in logistics and beyond that even. Many of the farms in Netherlands monitor the crops using drones. Keep in mind that despite the Netherlands being a tiny country by both land size and population, its the second largest food exports in the world.
Autonomous drones are playing a growing role in many industries.
Good to know all that now. Thanks for sharing the insight.