Researchers recently tested ship to shore drone delivery, and the results are promising.
Independent drone delivery service Flirtey, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine assistant professor Dr. Timothy Amukele successfully conducted the first ship to shore delivery in the US. The researchers conducted the test on the New Jersey coastline.
Flirtey CEO Matt Sweeny noted that the technology could have applications in relief operations during disasters. Citing Hurricane Sandy relief operations,t he first responders had to deliver said 1.4 million litres of water, 1.6 million meals, and 1 million fliers. With drones, he said, lifesaving resources could be distributed much faster to the communities that need them.
The joint test showed how unmanned aircraft can bring aid to disaster victims of hurricanes and the resulting system wide failure of electrical and communications infrastructure. Previously, Dr. Amukele has led similar research on the viability of using drones to transport medical supplies, such as blood samples and blood products.
The researchers undertook the initiative upon the invitation of non-profit Field Innovation Team, which focuses on disaster preparedness as part of the Drones in Disasters “Do Tank” project.
This demonstration is expected to have extensive impact on global humanitarian efforts as well. United Nations data showed that eight of the 10 largest cities in the world lie along the coast and more than three billion people, or 44% of the global population live within 95 miles of the coast.
