This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Wilson Logistics will equip 1,120 of its trucks with Locomation’s platooning technology, with the first units to be delivered in 2022. The two companies have also extended their commercial partnership through at least the end of 2028. (VentureBeat)
Package Delivery
Package Delivery
Walmart piloting drone delivery of at-home COVID-19 self-collection kits
Walmart announced this week that it will pilot drone delivery of at-home COVID-19 self-collection kits, which is a new way to provide additional, and contactless, testing options.
Walmart has partnered with an American clinical laboratory called Quest Diagnostics and drone services provider DroneUp to launch trial deliveries of collection kits in North Las Vegas starting this week, and Cheektowaga, New York in early October.
“There’s a lot we can learn from our drone delivery pilots to help determine what roles drones can play in pandemic response, health care delivery and retail,” Walmart says.
MissionGO, Nevada Donor Network use UAS to deliver human organ and tissue
On Sept. 17, UAS solutions provider MissionGO and organ procurement organization (OPO) Nevada Donor Network completed two successful test flights carrying a human organ and tissue via UAS.
During the first flight, research corneas were transported from Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center to Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, San Martín Campus. The flight successfully demonstrated the viability, value, efficiency gains, and delivery speed of UAS when used to deliver lifesaving medical supplies and organs within an urban environment.
Weekend Roundup: September 18, 2020
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) has partnered with Hirth Engines (Hirth) as distributor for North and Central America. NWUAV and Hirth will work closely together to provide “seamless, continued support” for existing customers. (Hirth Engines)
Walmart, Zipline partner to launch 'first-of-its-kind' drone delivery service in U.S.
Walmart has partnered with Zipline to launch what's being described as a “first-of-its-kind” drone delivery operation in the U.S.
According to Walmart, the new service will make on-demand deliveries of select health and wellness products with the potential to expand to general merchandise. Zipline’s proprietary technology will be used during the trial deliveries, which will take place near Walmart’s headquarters in Northwest Arkansas.
Weekend Roundup: September 11, 2020
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
For the first time, liquid hydrogen and a unique refueling system have been used to power UAS. The demonstration was conducted by a Washington State University research team. The team says that the test demonstrated a key technology needed for long endurance, all-electric flights for medium-sized UAS. (Washington State University)
Speedbird Aero receives regulatory approval to operate two experimental drone delivery routes in Brazil
Speedbird Aero, a Latin American drone delivery company, has become the first company in Latin America to win regulatory approval for a drone delivery operation, as the company has received regulatory approval from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency, also known as ANAC, to operate two experimental drone delivery routes in Brazil.
Weekend Roundup: August 28, 2020
This Week (and last week) in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
On Aug. 18, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Shaneka Shaw, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron-1 (VMU-1), a weapons and tactics instructor (WTI), graduated from the MQ-9 Basic and Requalification/Transition Course 2 class 20-03, and became the first Black female Marine qualified to fly MQ-9 Reapers at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Shaw spent 55 training days learning to fly the MQ-9 at Holloman. (Air Education and Training Command)
Weekend Roundup: August 7, 2020
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Navy have signed a new agreement to jointly expand the development and operations of unmanned maritime systems in the nation’s coastal and world’s ocean waters. Through the agreement, NOAA will accelerate its science, service and stewardship mission by leveraging the Navy’s expertise, infrastructure, best practices and training. (NOAA)
Volansi, NCDOT to begin commercial, middle-mile drone delivery projects in North Carolina
Cargo drone delivery service provider Volansi has signed a teaming agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to begin commercial, middle-mile drone delivery projects in North Carolina.
Volansi and NCDOT will collaborate with the FAA to gather data on drone delivery programs and how they could be incorporated long-term into the current transportation infrastructure and regulations.
“We are excited to have this opportunity to work closely with the FAA and the N.C. Department of Transportation to help shape how drones fit into our home country’s infrastructure,” says Hannan Parvizian, CEO and co-founder of Volansi.
