A System Framework for Low-Altitude Transportation Integration in Smart Cities

Structural bottlenecks including congestion and high costs are increasingly encountered by traditional urban ground logistics as last-mile delivery demand surges. Physical spatial limitations can potentially be bypassed by low-altitude logistics as a novel three-dimensional transportation mode. However, optimal system performance can hardly be achieved through simple technological substitution alone. A framework for integrating low-altitude logistics into smart cities is proposed in this paper. This framework is systematically discussed across four dimensions including spatial environments and energy systems. The aspects of smart governance and social adaptation are also evaluated. The implementation effectiveness of this system is shown to be highly dependent on scientific hub siting and multi-layer network construction. Furthermore, the system-level carbon reduction potential is constrained by the decarbonization progress of regional power grids. Deep coupling with building microgrids is therefore required. A cross-departmental digital governance system must also be established for large-scale application. The equity of public services and labor structure transformations must be accommodated alongside this expansion. It is emphasized that low-altitude logistics is not the ultimate solution for urban logistics. Instead, it is considered an effective supplement under specific high-density scenarios and clean energy conditions. Support is thus provided for urban logistics infrastructure planning and policy formulation.