Acceptance begins with understanding: Technology acceptance of autonomous and uncrewed vehicle systems in urban mobility and logistics

Urban mobility and logistics are being transformed by the adoption of autonomous and uncrewed vehicle systems (UxVs), yet research on user acceptance remains theoretically fragmented and empirically inconsistent. This study systematically reviews empirical research on UxV acceptance, across ground-based autonomous mobility technologies and autonomous logistics and last-mile delivery systems, excluding speculative aerial passenger technologies for which no empirical evidence exists. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), its subsequent extensions (TAM2, TAM3, and TAM for Smart Technologies), as well as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT and UTAUT2), the review synthesises psychological, social, technological, and contextual determinants of UxV acceptance. Our analysis shows that acceptance arises from the multidimensional interaction of these factors and that no single model fully captures the domain-specific differences between mobility and logistics applications. Contextual influences, such as exogenous shock, organisational dynamics, and institutional and policy frameworks, appear as important moderators that shape, rather than replace, established TAM and UTAUT constructs. The review also identifies significant knowledge gaps, including the influence of socio-demographic variables, the need for technology-specific studies, and the importance of empirical research grounded in real-world trials. Addressing these gaps is essential to advancing theory and informing the effective integration of UxV technologies in complex urban environments.