Swiss technology firm Jedsy has announced the completion of a drone trial, which saw a window-docking aerial vehicle transport laboratory samples for the Dr Risch laboratory group.
The pair hoped to use drones to make the transport of samples faster and more sustainable.
What’s more, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) in Switzerland has reportedly already approved the first flight route from the laboratory in Vaduz to the laboratory in Buchs SG.
Currently, around 50 courier drivers work for Dr. Risch every day and are capable of transporting samples to regional laboratories within a few hours.
On the potential for drones to speed up this process, Dr Martin Risch, CEO of the Dr Risch Group, said: “The last two years during the Covid-19 pandemic have shown convincingly how important this service is for the healthcare sector.
“If, however, the courier vehicles are stuck in traffic or if they are driving during rush hour, the planned daily routine regarding the analysis and the medical diagnosis is delayed.
“Together with the start-up Jedsy, the Dr. Risch group has therefore initiated a pilot project in which the samples are flown to the laboratory by drone.
“We hope that this will allow us to offer an even better service, which will ultimately benefit the patients.”
The tech start-up says the ability for this drone to dock at a window represents a new development for this type of aerial vehicle, as the docking station can also charge the drone’s battery.
This, Jedsy claims, means that the aircraft is ready for use at any time and can take flight within 60 seconds.
The drone was also designed so its path can be followed via livestream as it flies, with the feed becoming blurred as it approaches its destination building to protect user privacy.
Newly published legislation from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which will also soon apply in Switzerland, could support aviation companies like Jedsy to certify package delivery drones.
As a result, the entire healthcare sector could be supplied more quickly and more cost-effectively by drone deliveries from as early as 2024, Jedsy has said.
