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CAELUS project to test drone deliveries in Scotland

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AGS Airports is leading a consortium in CAELUS, a project to develop and trial the UK’s first national distribution network using drones to transport medicines and medical supplies throughout Scotland.

The AGS led consortium, which brings together 14 organisations including Strathclyde University and air traffic control provider NATS, secured £1.5m from the UK Industrial Strategy Future Flight Challenge Fund to demonstrate how autonomous drone technology can enhance access to essential medical supplies, particularly in rural parts of Scotland.

How drones have risen to the Covid-19 challenge

The CAELUS (Care & Equity – Healthcare Logistics UAS Scotland) project started on 1 December and will involve live drone flight trials. In addition to developing the ground infrastructure needed to recharge the drones and the systems to control them while flying, a key aspect of the project will be to ensure that drones can safely share airspace with civil aviation. The project will also ensure critical aspects such as public safety, security and noise levels are considered.

A digital blueprint of the drone delivery network will then be created with the potential to connect hospitals, pathology laboratories, distribution centres and GP surgeries across Scotland. The project is scheduled to run until Spring 2022.

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