A drone completed a 4 km flight between Residential Care Center De Zon in Bellegem and General Hospital Groeninge in Kortrijk, Belgium. This flight, conducted beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of its operator, represents a significant achievement within the TETRA project ‘Medical Drone Supplies’ (MEDROS), spearheaded by VIVES University of Applied Sciences.
The MEDROS initiative is focused on not only investigating but also applying drone technology for the transportation of medical supplies across the Flemish healthcare system, with the goal of integrating this innovation into the broader healthcare logistics framework. The successful completion of this flight serves as tangible proof that drones can facilitate the rapid and efficient transfer of medical samples. Additionally, KU Leuven, a project partner, is evaluating the quality of blood samples transported by drone compared to those delivered via traditional road transport.
Part of the drone’s journey traversed the geozone of Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport, an area where strict safety protocols govern drone operations. This test flight is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first instance of a drone flying beyond the operator’s visual line of sight within this geozone without disrupting other air traffic.
The safety of this operation was ensured through SkeyDrone’s BVLOS framework, which employs advanced digital services to maintain safety both in the air and on the ground. The Belgian start-up ADLC conducted the flight. The drone operated fully autonomously throughout its journey, with real-time oversight provided remotely from ADLC’s operations control center.
Drones can complement the existing transport methods, especially in emergencies where speed is of the essence. This marks a crucial step towards faster and more efficient transport of medical supplies within the healthcare system. The MEDROS contributes to both the technical and economic aspects of drone transportation. While the feasibility has been demonstrated, ensuring safety and the quality of the transported goods is equally important. The successful execution of this medical transport flight highlights the versatility and potential of drone delivery services. For the healthcare sector, it is an efficient, convenient, and sustainable alternative to existing transport methods. It represents a significant step towards the broader adoption of drone technology in critical industries such as healthcare.
Image source: Air Traffic Management