New delivery drone technology put to the test

Drone transport is not new in Switzerland, but it has met several immense challenges that led some large transport companies to discontinue their projects. Besides requiring several people, the drone industry faces complex regulations and checklists, often increasing the preparation time to more than 20 minutes.

Jedsy (Delivery Glider AG), a Swiss startup that manufactures and operates unmatched delivery drones, has responded to the challenges with a new type of drone that can dock outside the window or balcony. The loading and unloading of the drone then only takes a few seconds and can take place in any weather, conveniently from the window. The Jedsy Mailbox docking station also charges the Jedsy Gliders within 60 seconds, which makes operations extremely simple and versatile.

The Dr Risch group, which has been relying on around 50 courier drivers to deliver medical samples to the regional laboratories within a few hours, has initiated a pilot project with Jedsy to enable the transportation of samples by drone. The first route between the laboratory locations Buchs SG and Vaduz has now been approved by The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Jedsy and Dr. Risch attach great value to privacy: The operator follows the drone’s flight via livestream, but as soon as it approaches the building, the surroundings become blurred, with the exception of the docking station.

“The last two years during the Covid pandemic have shown convincingly how important this service is for the healthcare sector. If, however, the courier vehicles are stuck in traffic or drive during rush hour, the planned daily routine regarding the analysis and the medical diagnosis is delayed,” explains Dr. med. Martin Risch, CEO of the Dr. Risch group. “We hope this will allow us to offer an even better service, which will ultimately benefit the patients”, adds Risch.

Further MoUs worldwide
Besides the recently launched pilot project, Jedsy has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with multiple organisations in various countries. In India, the startup signed an MoU with Garuda Aerospace and KL Tech City to scale out drone deliveries in the country. By the end of 2023, one hundred long-range Jedsy drones are anticipated to be in service, as the demand is enormous. The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Malawi and Jedsy with Shire Highlands Development Trust also signed an MoU to deliver medical supplies to hospitals and health centers.

(Press release/RAN)