Medical Logistics with Drones

Interview with Rhein Zeitung (Long version)

Questions and photo by Alexander Thieme-Garmann

Is a particular type of construction, propulsion, or control system particularly suitable for medical transport?
When selecting the type of drone, there are essentially three factors to consider. These are the required range, the possible transport weight, and economic efficiency. Fixed-wing aircraft, i.e., drones in the form of an airplane, have proven to be particularly suitable for medium and long distances. The advantages of this type of drone are less apparent over short distances. Ground vehicles, such as cargo bikes, are also much easier to organize for short distances. We have decided on battery-powered drives. These are quiet, environmentally friendly, easy to control and, very importantly in Germany, more likely to be approved than noisy gasoline-powered combustion engines.
How does the use of different types of drones affect the environment?
There are some theoretical calculations that predict savings in CO2 emissions. However, when considering the total amount of CO2 emissions generated by mobility, the savings achievable through drone logistics are rather negligible. Nevertheless, we can demonstrate environmental effects. For example, by shifting transport processes to the air, we can relieve traffic on the roads. This results in less congestion and less strain on infrastructure. Why does a small transport volume of perhaps 10 kilograms have to be transported by a 2-ton vehicle? A lightweight drone with a take-off weight of less than 50 kg can handle these transports much better. Here, we can easily calculate the relevant ecological effects using so-called CO2 equivalents. In a direct comparison with a vehicle on the ground, the drone comes out ahead in almost all areas.
How does their use affect wildlife?
This is a highly controversial issue, particularly among environmental agencies. The potential impact depends largely on the type of drone, i.e., its size and propulsion system. A military drone with a wingspan of 15 meters and a fuel-powered engine is loud and can be perceived as disturbing by humans and animals when flying at low altitudes. Most battery-powered drones, such as those used in medical logistics, have no measurable impact on wildlife. There are some studies that suggest that drone flights affect wildlife. However, these are based more on theoretical models or on experimental setups that are not relevant in practice. After evaluating over 600 flights, I could not identify any relevant impacts on wildlife. I have submitted detailed and meaningful documentation on this.
What prejudices or misconceptions about the use of drones need to be dispelled?
Drones will not save the world. However, they can help us perform certain tasks more efficiently. The claim that drone transport is cheaper than ground transport is not entirely accurate. A good logistics drone costs as much as a luxury car. There is an economic reason why packages are not delivered by Mercedes S-Class cars. Drones compete economically with ground transport. Health insurance companies will certainly not increase premiums just because it is cool to use drones for logistics. Only when we fly in a highly automated manner and the regulatory authorities approve this will we be able to fully exploit the advantages of drone transport and fly economically. China is already showing us how this can work. In Shenzhen, drones developed in Germany deliver up to 30,000 parcels a day. There, a pilot monitors up to 20 automatically flying drones. This is already working very well in China with German drones. We have some outstanding drone developers in Germany. However, compared to China, for example, we are several years behind in terms of legal regulations. In Germany, drones are rightly only used under clearly defined conditions and can currently only fly on predefined and approved routes. A major challenge is that we have to integrate our drones into Europe's highly regulated airspace and share it with manned aviation. That's not easy. We also have to bear in mind that drones are not allowed to fly in strong winds or heavy rain, for example. This means that we always have to have functioning ground logistics in place. There are still a few challenges, but they are all definitely solvable. As I have already said, Germany is still one of the world's leading countries in the field of drone development.
What points are reviewed during the approval process and to whom are they submitted?
The approval procedures must be carried out by the aviation authorities. However, there are other authorities that must also give their approval. For example, environmental compatibility and compliance with data protection regulations must be demonstrated. A company that organizes drone flights must be organized almost like an airline in manned aviation. The organizational structure and role model in the operating company must be presented. It must also be demonstrated that flight operations are organized in such a way that the highest level of safety can be guaranteed. Then there is a risk calculation for each route. This involves assessing the air and ground risks of each individual route. Risk management must therefore demonstrate that the probability of a collision with another aircraft in the air can be virtually ruled out and that, in the unlikely event of a drone crash, people on the ground will not be endangered. There is other evidence that must be provided in the certification process. Incidentally, my last application for certification of flight operations was almost 300 pages long.
Will transport by drone revolutionize the logistics system?
The use of drones will not revolutionize logistics, but it will make it more flexible. Drones are an additional means of transport that can offer considerable advantages under certain conditions. If we compare the possibilities of automation in transport logistics, drones are perhaps 15 to 20 years ahead of so-called self-driving vehicles. So if we really manage to get the technically advanced drones that are available to fly freely and automatically, we will be able to deliver goods by air very quietly and almost unnoticed at any time of the day or night. In medical logistics alone, we will be able to supply medical practices and hospitals with laboratory analysis results very quickly, regardless of the availability of drivers and vehicles. We will be able to transport urgently needed blood reserves to the scene of an accident very quickly or deliver urgently needed medication. However, as already noted, we will only be able to provide these services if we can implement drone logistics economically through a high degree of automation. Technically, we can already do this. If politicians and authorities in Germany get on board and create the necessary framework conditions, we will also implement this.