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Santander UK

Skyfarer

Skyfarer provides bolt service for existing operating businesses and standalone solutions. This is a fantastic collaborative solution to their logistic, innovation, efficiency, and sustainability needs. The company also provides storage tracking, order management system, competency tracker, aircraft maintenance, and in-flight operation tracking services.

UK-based Skyfarer develops drones primarily for applications such as inspection and surveillance, mapping, and emergency response. The company is also trialing drone-based medical deliveries. Its drones can deliver organs, medical samples, blood pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and aseptic equipment.

Automation and robotics are finally creating solutions for the complexities of doorstep deliveries.

Last-mile Delivery Automation

Skyfarer is a UK-based aerial logistics company that specializes in delivering medical supplies and other critical materials to hospitals using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. The company was founded in 2017 by Elliot Parnham, an aerospace and engineering graduate from Coventry University, with the goal of leveraging drone technology for positive societal impact.

UK startups trial medical drone deliveries in exacting real-world scenarios

Skyfarer’s UAV Medical Delivery Network Moves Forward

Invest in Skyfarer LTD​

Skyfarer and Medical Logistics UK collaborate to deliver medical supplies

UK: Skyfarer, Medical Logistics Commence BVLOS Hospital Drone Deliveries

Taking commercial activities to new heights

Commercial Drone Tech

Unlocking the future: Skyfarer’s drone solutions for efficient business operations

UK-based Skyfarer develops drones primarily for applications such as inspection and surveillance, mapping, and emergency response. The company is also trialing drone-based medical deliveries. Its drones can deliver organs, medical samples, blood pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and aseptic equipment.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsSkyfarer was engaged in the drone-based delivery space by 1) leading a consortium to build a medical drone delivery network in Midlands, UK (July 2020); 2) leading another consortium to create a medical drone delivery network in the UK (March 2021); 3) partnering with National Health Services (NHS) to begin trial medical supply deliveries in Warwickshire, UK (September 2020); 4) joining a consortium to trial medical deliveries in Coventry, UK (May 2021); and 5) partnering with Medical Logistics UK to trail drone-based deliveries between hospitals in Warwickshire and the UK (October 2022; trial completed in December 2023).

UK-based Skyfarer develops drones primarily for applications such as inspection and surveillance, mapping, and emergency response. The company is also trialing drone-based medical deliveries. Its drones can deliver organs, medical samples, blood pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and aseptic equipment.Key customers and partnershipsSkyfarer was engaged in the drone-based delivery space by 1) leading a consortium to build a medical drone delivery network in Midlands, UK (July 2020); 2) leading another consortium to create a medical drone delivery network in the UK (March 2021); 3) partnering with National Health Services (NHS) to begin trial medical supply deliveries in Warwickshire, UK (September 2020); 4) joining a consortium to trial medical deliveries in Coventry, UK (May 2021); and 5) partnering with Medical Logistics UK to trail drone-based deliveries between hospitals in Warwickshire and the UK (October 2022; trial completed in December 2023).

Zing Drone Solutions offers an end-to-end drone delivery platform, which includes autonomous flight software and plug-and-play hardware. Drone pilots can team up with Zing to make deliveries with their own drones, while Zing undertakes the licensing and insuring of pilots. The company also sells two models of FAA-approved broadcast modules to pilots.As of March 2024, the company had operations in a test site in Sarasota, Florida, to demonstrate drone-based deliveries. It was mainly generating revenue through the sale of broadcast modules to pilots.Key customers and partnershipsZing Drone Solutions has product partnerships with companies including 1) software company Airspace Link to integrate airspace awareness technology (December 2021); 2) air traffic navigation service provider Skyway Technologies to install route planning and air navigation solutions for operations in Florida and beyond (January 2022; conducted first flights in Montverde, Florida <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10175">in May 2022);</a> and 3) Arrive (formerly DroneDek; June 2020) and Valqari (August 2021) to obtain hardware and infrastructure.Funding and financialsZing Drone Solutions generated revenue of USD 40,847 and incurred a loss of USD 160,287 in 2023.

Zing Drone Solutions

DroneUp is a drone startup offering&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18602">drone-based last-mile delivery services</a> primarily pitched toward retail, food, and medical deliveries. The company's&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34605">technology package</a> includes a proprietary software solution, an innovative winch system, and custom battery packs. The company has operations in the US (including Arkansas, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Virginia, Utah, and North Carolina) and potentially&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11637">Europe.</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36763">In December 2024,</a> it obtained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Part 135 Certification to conduct commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries.DroneUp’s complementary acquisitions in the space include AeroVista Innovations to provide full-service drone training to organizations (April 2020); Web Teks, a UAS software developer that had been a contractor for DroneUp&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/103">(March 2021)</a>; and AirMap, an airspace management software provider for drones&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/7177">(December 2021).</a>&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsDroneUp has conducted drone-based deliveries in partnership with organizations including <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10658">Walmart,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/161">NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance) and SUNY Upstate Medical University,</a> the City of Ontario and the real estate company <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/4266">Brookfield Properties,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17938">Riverside Health System,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19264">Carilion Clinic,</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23954">Chick-fil-A</a>.DroneUp also has product partnerships with companies including1) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/865380">A2Z Drone Delivery</a> to integrate the latter’s tethered freefall drone delivery technology into DroneUp’s drones <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/105">(March 2021)</a>2) South Korean company Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) to test drones using hydrogen fuel cell technology <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17671">(April 2023)</a>3) Irsi Automation to integrate airspace awareness tech into its drones <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18258">(May 2023)</a>4) Wonder Robotics to integrate precision technology for drone-based deliveries <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18344">(May 2023)</a>5) Blueflite, a drone technology company, to leverage Blueflite’s drones for DroneUp's autonomous ecosystem <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28155">(April 2024)</a>6) Elsight to obtain drone connectivity solutions <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33137">(September 2024)</a>

DroneUp

Agility Robotics develops a human-sized, bi-pedal robot called “Digit” designed for logistics applications primarily for warehouse automation, with plans to introduce the unit for last-mile delivery applications. It is the only company in the market with a product designed to look and move like a human, using two upper limbs to carry an item while moving around on two legs. The robot uses a head-mounted LiDAR system for its primary navigation and is able to navigate semi-autonomously, carrying weight up to 35 lbs. The robots can charge autonomously by connecting themselves to docking stations when needed and can be deployed without additional retrofitting.The company unveiled the second generation of Digit <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17182">in March 2023,</a> with plans to begin shipping to early customers in 2024 and a wider rollout in 2025 (price not disclosed). The company has a <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21927">manufacturing facility in Oregon</a> with the capacity to produce more than 10,000 robots per year.&nbsp;The company also offers <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27444">“Agility Arc,"</a> which is a cloud automation platform for deploying and managing Digit fleets. This is offered on a SaaS basis.Funding and financials<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9899">In April 2022,</a> Agility Robotics raised USD 150 million in a Series B funding round led by DCVC and Playground Global to fast-track R&amp;D, ramp up production and delivery of its next-generation robot, and expand the team. In April 2022, Agility Robotics also received an undisclosed amount of funds from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund.&nbsp;Key competitors: None comparable (Agility Robotics is the only startup developing a humanoid robot for parcel delivery)

Agility Robotics

Manna Drone Delivery (Manna) provides drone delivery-as-a-service to restaurant chains, cloud kitchens, and online food delivery platforms. Using custom-developed aerospace-grade drones, it delivers directly from restaurants and centralized kitchens to consumer's homes. Its drones can fly at a speed of 60 mph, delivering within a range of 10 miles. The drones are also equipped with safety systems including a parachute that will automatically deploy and bring the aircraft to the ground in case of an emergency.In May 2021, Manna received the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/62">“Light UAS Operator Certificate” (LUC),</a> available under EU drone regulations and recognized across the EU. With the certification, Manna can self-authorize operations without the need for further approvals. The company also applied for a drone-based delivery services license in the UK <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22174">in September 2023.</a>The services are offered via Manna’s mobile application, where restaurants can partner and list themselves for drone-based deliveries to their customers. As of March 2024, the company had completed 150,000+ deliveries to customers in Ireland (including Moneygall, Co Offaly, Oranmore, Co Galway, and in Blanchardstown and Balbriggan, Co Dublin) and the US <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23388">(Dallas, Texas).</a>Key customers and partnershipsIts notable partners include restaurant operators and retailers such as Flipdish, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/91">Just Eat,</a> Tesco, Camile Thai’s, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/106">Samsung Electronics,</a> Coca-Cola, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23388">Farmhouse Coffee &amp; Treasures, The Touring Chocolatie,</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27176">Boojum.</a>Funding and financials<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17122">In March 2023,</a> Manna received an undisclosed amount of funding from Coca-Cola HBC and entered into a strategic partnership with the same to expand its reach to the US market.&nbsp;

Manna Drone Delivery

TwinswHeel is an autonomous delivery droids manufacturer based in France. The company offers six droids under two ranges; 1) “ciTHy” series pitched toward logistics applications for private sites and cities and 2) “facTHory” series pitched toward factories and warehouses. The robots can be configured to either pair up and collaborate with a person and follow them while carrying the loads or to move autonomously in a mapped area. The robots are equipped with LiDAR, six 2D cameras, 3D camera, and sensors for navigation. The ciTHy series comprises the following three sizes that can be used for last-mile delivery applications:1. ciTHy S: Can carry loads of up to 110 lbs, pitched toward personal mobility.2. ciTHy M: Can carry loads of up to 330 lbs; pitched toward technicians and craftsmen to help carry loads.3. ciTHy L: Can carry loads of up to 660 lbs; pitched toward stores in city centers.Key customers and partnershipIn May 2019, the company conducted a trial run in partnership with the French supermarket chain Casino’s Franprix, where shoppers can pair up with the robot, making it follow them while shopping, and even carry items to the customer’s home.The company also manufactures droids on behalf of the autonomous droid operator LMAD (2021).

TwinswHeel

Refers to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that deliver packages. Drones are already in commercial use in many other industries (such as photography, construction, and agriculture). The use of drones for goods delivery has emerged with the gradual advancement of battery and connectivity technologies.

Refers to autonomous vehicles that use pedestrian walkways and travel a little faster than average walking speed (generally 3-6 miles an hour). These vehicles can usually carry up to around 20 lb. and use a camera, radar, and sensors to move autonomously. 

This is a sub-branch of self-driving cars and represents autonomous vehicles that can move along public roads. The technology used is similar to self-driving cars. ADVs have a higher load capacity and travel at a faster speed than vehicles like droids.

Some companies use AI/ML tech for autonomous navigation.  (e.g., Goggo Network, Drone Express, Wayve)"

Autonomous delivery solutions fall under Industry 4.0

The solutions are electric and eco-friendly

All three types of delivery automation facilitate efficient and environmentally friendly solutions

Skyfarer is a UK-based aerial logistics company that specializes in delivering medical supplies and other critical materials to hospitals using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. The company was founded in 2017 by Elliot Parnham, an aerospace and engineering graduate from Coventry University, with the goal of leveraging drone technology for positive societal impact.
In October 2022, Skyfarer partnered with Medical Logistics UK, a specialist healthcare courier organization, to commence a pioneering three-month trial of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries between hospitals in Coventry and Rugby. This involved operating a 32 km corridor approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), known as "The Medical Logistics UK Corridor," to transport a wide range of medical supplies on a 24/7 basis.
The primary objective was to reduce the time and cost associated with ground transportation while providing a more sustainable solution. As Skyfarer's Project Manager Georgia Hanrahan noted, "There are no potholes in the sky, nor is there as much congestion, and without the need for heavy infrastructure to land, UAVs can add to the fleet of logistical transfers and provide a faster, more sustainably friendly and cheaper solution."
This trial marked the first stage of the "Skyway" project, a two-year initiative led by Future Flight, a UK government program promoting next-generation aviation. The goal is to create a 265 km UAV superhighway across the UK, enabling companies like Skyfarer to conduct BVLOS flights safely and routinely.
In May 2022, Skyfarer announced plans to establish an operational delivery hub by October, expanding its services beyond medical logistics to include emergency service support, commercial inspection, and commercial logistics, all requiring BVLOS capabilities.

SeekOps Inc. is a global leader in greenhouse gas emissions detection, quantification, and reporting solutions. The company deploys advanced sensor technology and state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems equipped with its proprietary SeekIR sensors to detect, localize, and accurately quantify methane emissions. SeekOps' autonomous drones leverage parts-per-billion sensitive sensors and leverage autonomous operations for efficient, repeatable, and consistent greenhouse gas emission surveys, facilitating rapid leak detection and quantification (LDAQ).
SeekOps' technology has received regulatory approval from various authorities, including the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment for use as an Alternative Approved Instrument Measurement Method (Alt. AIMM) in February 2024, making it the first unmanned aerial system to receive such approval. In September 2022, SeekOps' technology was approved as part of an Alternative Fugitive Emission Management Program (Alt-FEMP) submitted by Repsol to the Alberta Energy Regulator.
The company's solutions are field-proven and have been deployed in emissions quantification surveys worldwide, supporting leading operators and meeting the highest standards, such as OGMP 2.0 and MiQ. In August 2023, SeekOps adapted NASA's technology, originally developed for the Mars Curiosity Rover, to measure methane emissions in the North Sea, demonstrating the versatility of its approach.
SeekOps' solutions have been instrumental in helping operators understand their emissions inventory and adopt cost-effective abatement tools, contributing to decarbonization efforts in the oil and gas industry.

SeekOps

Cando Drones is an Israeli company that provides advanced drone operations and management solutions. It specializes in organizing airspace, handling regulations, characterizing, selecting, and integrating drone systems, as well as managing ground logistics, training, and technical support. Cando Drones offers turnkey solutions that enable the exploitation of drone capabilities for various needs.
The company has demonstrated its expertise in delivering autonomous drone flights using different platforms. In April 2024, Cando Drones partnered with High Lander Aviation and Sentrycs to showcase an autonomous security solution at Caesarea Business Park. This system demonstrated rapid response protocols against simulated threats, utilizing High Lander's Orion drone fleet management platform.
Additionally, in April 2024, Cando Drones collaborated with High Lander to execute the first drone flight using Pelephone's new 5G MAX network, marking a significant milestone in drone connectivity and scalability in Israel. Cando Drones also played a pivotal role in the Israel National Drone Initiative, conducting various test flights across the country, including delivery flights, night flights, and traffic monitoring activities.

Cando Drones

MissionGO is a leading provider of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) solutions and services. The company specializes in critical infrastructure inspections and cargo delivery operations. MissionGO utilizes its advanced UAS platform, the MGV100, to perform comprehensive inspections of various infrastructure assets, including power lines, transmission poles, pipelines, and construction cranes. The MGV100 is a single-rotor, all-electric aircraft designed for long-endurance flights, with a range of up to 30 miles and a flight time exceeding one hour.MissionGO's infrastructure inspection services offer a safer, more reliable, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional manual inspections. The company's UAS inspections minimize hazards, increase data quality and quantity, and provide detailed reports on asset conditions. MissionGO's cargo delivery operations involve transporting critical medical supplies, fresh produce, emergency kits, and other essential items to remote areas using its autonomous unmanned helicopters.In addition to its core services, MissionGO offers UAS training programs for first responders, helping them obtain FAA commercial pilot licenses and develop skills for various operational scenarios. The company has achieved significant milestones, including publishing the MGV100's FAA Airworthiness Criteria in the Federal Register in September 2022, a crucial step toward Type Certification and enabling advanced UAS operations.In October 2022, MissionGO secured a three-year, USD 50 million contract with Southern California Edison, one of the largest UAS services contracts globally, to inspect nearly 160,000 utility poles. This contract builds on MissionGO's successful partnership with Southern California Edison since 2019, during which the company conducted over 6,500 sorties and cataloged more than 1,200 flight hours, capturing data from 24,000 poles without any incidents.

MissionGo

Zing Drone Solutions is a company that specializes in developing innovative drone technology solutions. Their primary offering is the Z-RID, a proprietary Remote ID Broadcast Module that ensures compliance with FAA regulations for public safety and commercial drone operators. Launched in October 2023, the Z-RID received FAA Declaration of Compliance (DOC) Approval, making it compatible with various DJI enterprise and commercial drone models.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by drone pilots due to the high costs of existing Remote ID modules, Zing Drone Solutions introduced the Z-RID Lite in January 2024. The Z-RID Lite is an affordable, stripped-down version of the original Z-RID, focusing solely on providing Remote ID compliance functionality. This innovative solution aims to make FAA regulation adherence accessible to all drone pilots, fostering a safer and more regulated airspace.
Zing Drone Solutions' commitment to innovation aligns with the needs of the drone community. The Z-RID Lite weighs only 30 grams and features GNSS positioning and Bluetooth four + five broadcasting capabilities, making it a lightweight and user-friendly solution for drone compliance.

InDro Robotics is a leading Canadian company specializing in robotics research and development, as well as providing complex drone and ground robotic solutions, services, and training. Their expertise lies in engineering autonomous robots and drones for diverse applications, including complex operations, data collection, surveillance, and delivery services. InDro Robotics aims to make difficult work more efficient through innovative robotics.
The company serves as a manufacturer, integrator, and distributor of unmanned systems. For ground operations, they offer unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) from AgileX Robotics integrated with their proprietary InDro Commander technology. Additionally, they provide quadruped robots from Unitree Robotics equipped with the InDro Backpack integration. In the aerial domain, InDro Robotics distributes drones from various manufacturers and incorporates their InDro Pilot technology, enabling real-time data transfer over 5G for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions and onboard processing for autonomous operations.
InDro Robotics' solutions encompass a wide range of capabilities, including local computing, teleoperation, and autonomous functionality. Their robots can be outfitted with autonomy software developed in-house or tailored to clients' specific requirements. The company has completed over 7,000 mission hours, flown more than 4,000 kilometers, and executed over 400,000 safe and compliant flights across multiple countries.
In September 2023, InDro Robotics announced a strategic partnership with Invest Ottawa, taking over the management of Bayview Yards Prototyping Lab, rebranded as InDro Forge. This state-of-the-art facility offers prototyping services, including 3D metal printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and computational rendering, enabling clients to bring their ideas from concept to completion.

InDro Robotics

Startups that provide drone-based services for a variety of use cases  (excluding payload delivery)

Startups providing cloud-based software solutions for gathering data via drones and leverage AI to provide analytics and insights

Startups providing cloud-based platforms for managing drone-based activities

Startups providing other services relating to drone operations including drone hangars, charging systems, insurance, and pilot marketplaces

Startups that provide and end-to-end solution for drone based-applications. Typically also provides drone pilot training programmes and managed services

Provides solutions for the operation of drones in an urban environment

Skyfarer

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