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Integrating UWB-Assisted Micro Drop-Points with UAS Traffic Management for Safe Urban Drone Delivery
Author(s)
Sornsakul, Chavisa
Sreesawet, Suwat
Channumsin, Sittiporn
Date Issued
January 1, 2026
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
The integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into commercial logistics represents a pivotal shift in last-mile delivery, positioning the sector for significant global growth, where autonomous navigation is a critical element. However, the development of reliable autonomous systems must extend beyond individual drone capabilities to encompass the broader operational context and supporting infrastructure. Urban drone delivery requires precise final-meter navigation, yet existing research largely focuses on onboard sensing and landing aids rather than the system-level integration of Micro Drop-Points (MDPs) within shared airspace. This study addresses that gap by combining Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to assist positioning with UAS Traffic Management (UTM) path planning to support high-accuracy final-meter navigation in dense urban environments.This paper presents a graph-based simulation framework that links four-dimensional airspace blocks with MDP landing geometry and positioning constraints. Using shortest-path A∗ routing and deterministic airspace block reservation, the framework evaluates different MDP configurations and safety margins across representative urban scenarios, including single-family houses, apartment buildings, and commercial rooftops. A geometric error model is used to estimate landing feasibility and landing success probability.The core contribution is a unified modeling framework that captures the transition from structured 4D airspace blocks to localized MDP approach zones, integrating deterministic airspace reservation, vertical-layer occupancy modeling, and landing feasibility constraints. Simulation results demonstrate how MDP size, placement, and positioning accuracy affect landing success and routing feasibility. These findings provide a structured method-ology for designing urban MDP configurations and integrating precision landing considerations with UTM to enhance the safety, reliability, and scalability of autonomous urban drone delivery.
Citation
Integrated Communications Navigation and Surveillance Conference Icns, 2026