December 7, 2022
Swoop Aero has been approved to use remotely piloted drones in a trial program to deliver essential supplies, test samples and pharmaceuticals across the Darling Downs Health region.
A statement from Darling Downs Health on Wednesday said despatch hubs would be set up across the health service.
Executive Director Infrastructure Dr Paul Clayton said the trial would allow the health service to evaluate the capability of the technology.
The move follows demonstration flights in Goondiwindi earlier this year.
“We’re continually searching for ways to enhance our capability as a health service, and we’ll be looking to see if this trial improves the outcomes for patients and our community,” Dr Clayton said.
“We’ll be considering the time it takes to plan a tasking of the drone, the despatch and retrieval of goods and of course how that all integrates into an already efficient service.
“What is really exciting about this trial is it is just the beginning of integrating new AI technologies which have the potential to transform how we work and provide care.”
The trial, which is due to begin in the first half of 2023, will use Swoop Aero’s most advanced aircraft, the Kite, which can travel at maximum speeds of up to 200km/h with a 4.7kg payload.
A Darling Downs Health spokesperson could not confirm on Wednesday where the drone hubs would be located, but earlier this year it was suggested Kingaroy could be a possible site.
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