Public Sentiment Analysis on Automated Delivery Vehicles Using Media Representations

The rise of e-commerce and the subsequent surge in demand for delivery services has spurred the rapid development of Automated Delivery Vehicles (ADVs), which hold immense potential to revolutionize that goods are transported and delivered. These cutting-edge vehicles are expected to bring significant benefits, including cost reduction, enhanced delivery efficiency, decreased harmful emissions, and improved road safety by eliminating the need for human drivers. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ADVs have gained even more significance due to their touchless capabilities, aligning perfectly with the need for contactless delivery services to safeguard public health. As the world adapted to the new normal, ADVs played a crucial role in ensuring the seamless continuation of essential delivery operations while minimizing health risks. This study collected and conducted quantitative analysis on the most relevant 86 news articles focused on ADVs by employing sophisticated text network and collocation analyses to extract valuable insights. The findings indicated a noteworthy trend: express delivery services have forged partnerships with various ADV companies, leveraging their capabilities to tackle the challenging ‘last mile’ delivery stage. Furthermore, the study revealed a growing integration of ADVs into diverse delivery sectors, particularly in food, grocery, and other on-demand services. Overall, this study provides invaluable insights into the current state of ADVs and their widespread adoption across various delivery sectors.