Unmanned aircraft deliver blood samples from Dresden, speeding up transportation to the laboratory
In the innovative city of Dresden, a new delivery service is taking to the skies. The logistics company DHL, in partnership with German Copters DLS GmbH, is using drones to deliver blood samples across the Free State of Saxony.
Since mid-May, DHL has been flying about 50 blood samples daily from the Ore Mountains to Dresden. This service aims to bypass traffic jams and construction sites, potentially reducing transport times by up to 60%. The drone service is currently focused on delivering samples from 14 practices in the area of Dippoldiswalde, Altenberg, and Glashütte.
The drone used in this service is a 19-kilogram unmanned aerial vehicle, measuring 2.40 meters in length. It can reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour and can fly for about two hours with a battery life sufficient for the 12-minute test route. The drone is equipped with three SIM cards to ensure constant reception.
The drone service is monitored by experienced pilot Matea Zivkovic from Croatia. If obstacles appear on the routine route, such as temporary cranes, the pilot receives an alert. If permits are not obtained, an emergency landing is always required. Obtaining permits is necessary for the drones to move on new routes.
Thomas Kirchner, a specialist physician and owner of the Medical Laboratory of Eastern Saxony, emphasizes the importance of fast and accurate evaluation, particularly during the pandemic. The blood samples are intended to be evaluated within a maximum of four hours after collection for efficiency.
The project showcases the innovation hub of Dresden and German Copters DLS GmbH plans to fly numerous new individual routes and potentially the entire Free State of Saxony in the future. The vision for the future includes direct delivery to the window of the respective laboratory. This service not only saves time and personnel in the transportation of blood samples but also demonstrates the potential of drone technology in everyday life.
