Virginia-based drone solutions provider DroneUp has concluded a project to test the feasibility of medical deliveries by drones in Syracuse, New York, in collaboration with NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance) and SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Upon the successful test delivery of a Covid-19 test kit within the university premises in January, the project was expanded to include more medical deliveries in three Syracuse locations.

The tests proved drone deliveries to be faster than ground-based deliveries (two minutes vs. seven minutes), but they were less economical (five personnel to conduct the test flight vs. one delivery driver).

Regarding regulations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not currently allow drone-based deliveries involving blood, tissue samples, used Covid-19 test kits, or other hazardous materials to avoid the public being exposed to such items in the event of a crash. The FAA is evaluating drone models that could be allowed to make such deliveries.

The alliance concluded the project on a positive note, stating such barriers could be overcome, and drones could be used for these types of deliveries in the future. 

DroneUp is a drone startup working on aerial data collection and processing, drone-based deliveries, pilot flight services, and commercial and public sector sales. The company has partnered with Walmart, the clinical laboratory Quest Diagnostics, and Coca-Cola for various drone-based delivery pilot programs.