On the Role of Futuristic Technologies in Securing UAV-Supported Autonomous Vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies are gaining popularity due to their key benefits that include, but are not limited to, infrastructure independence, scalability, and autonomy. Although UAV and AV technologies are vertical; nevertheless, from the services and applications standpoint, these technologies handsomely complement each other. More precisely, the shortcomings faced by AV technology such as real-time navigation, visibility, mapping, content uploading, and maneuvering could be supported by UAV technology. Moreover, security plays a crucial role in the commercial deployment of AVs. This article focuses on the role of futuristic technologies in securing such a critical environment. Specifically, we focus on the data-related security for which blockchain is leveraged. The role of other enabling technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in providing security to the integrated UAV–AV has also been discussed. Finally, we identify the outstanding research and development challenges that will provide new research avenues for the research community.