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Field-Testing Cargo Drones in Amazon Rainforest
July 24th, 2017
We've been field-testing a range of flying robots in the Amazon Rainforest since December 2016. The purpose of these ongoing field tests is to better understand the opportunities and challenges in using affordable robotics solutions for the delivery of medical supplies between clinics and remote villages in the Amazon. Our Peru Flying Labs carried out additional field tests in February 2017, but our most recent field-tests took place during a 2-week period in June. These tests included the transportation of essential medicines, diagnostic tests, blood samples and cash, with flight distances ranging up to 120km. A formal report documenting results and the many lessons learned will be published in coming weeks. In the meantime, in case you missed our live social media coverage of the field tests, please see below! Sincerest thanks to the entire team at Peru Flying Labs and UAV del Peru as well as to the Ministry of Health and our other partners for this really insightful and timely learning experience.
Welcome to WeRobotics Droneport on the edge of Peruvian Amazon. We have fleet of 10 flying robots, extra batteries, spare parts, 3D printer. pic.twitter.com/eN1YMM6EKX
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 19, 2017
And we're off! 2 flying robots following each other heading towards Amazon village 40km away, carrying diagnostics tests and other supplies pic.twitter.com/v07YLUyLt8
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 19, 2017
Laura is getting ready for her night flight. Our Laura robot is named after Peru's first female doctor Laura Dulanto who graduated in 1899. pic.twitter.com/18Jp1h0Fmm
— Patrick Meier (@PatrickMeier) June 19, 2017
A different kind of Amazon drone: delivering medical supplies in the Amazon Rainforest using locally affordable and repairable flying robots pic.twitter.com/nZwf8QsOpq
— Patrick Meier (@PatrickMeier) June 20, 2017
Launching back to back cargo flights in the Amazon Rainforest pic.twitter.com/RdGYWm3pWj
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 20, 2017
Winds are reaching 35km/h so we're pausing operations. Safety is always the number one priority for all our social sector robotics projects. pic.twitter.com/i0Xlfa5D2i
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 20, 2017
Amelia comes in for another successful autonomous landing in the Amazon Rainforest pic.twitter.com/o22uiYA8yU
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 20, 2017
Our flying robots are small, light & portable. They even fit on a motor taxi. No need for large vans or pickup trucks where we're going. pic.twitter.com/7u2MG5ibqk
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 21, 2017
Local airport has just suspended all passenger flights due to heavy fog. Good thing our robots can still fly to deliver medical supplies! pic.twitter.com/yfYAHmW9cq
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 22, 2017
Running through our final checks before Amelia takes to the skies to deliver diagnostic tests to the most remote village yet pic.twitter.com/tYgMMsI6g5
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 22, 2017
We reached very remote village in Amazon where we're now speaking with doctors while waiting for Amelia to arrive with medical supplies pic.twitter.com/zNZznVvbIE
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 22, 2017
Like her namesake, our flying robot Amelia is a total rockstar. She successfully flew medical supplies to remote village 50km away & back. pic.twitter.com/6E32RyDLBm
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 23, 2017
And yesterday, Amelia flew 120km nonstop. It was *just* an initial test -- much more testing needed -- but still, we're proud parents : ) pic.twitter.com/mHl4PGWsJf
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 23, 2017
At sunset, lucky Amelia flew back home in just 45 minutes. Meanwhile, we had to charter a "fast boat" for $300. Took us 3.5 hrs to get home. pic.twitter.com/N9x6Rf4EJg
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 23, 2017
We're now running some cargo delivery tests with different weights. Amelia will be back up in the air and flying over the Amazon soon. pic.twitter.com/J0mDn2bLQA
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 23, 2017
Amelia has already flown over 30km with 1/2kg cargo. She started with battery at 95%. Current level is 72% & 15.08v. Looking good, Amelia! pic.twitter.com/LwwleWF7Nu
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 23, 2017
Takes $300 and 3hr boat ride to get essential medicines like anti-venom to this village in Amazon. Our flying robot did the trip in 40mins. pic.twitter.com/fBar5H4Dw3
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 26, 2017
In addition to Amelia, we have an early prototype hybrid (VTOL) flying robot named after Jacques Pinel who revolutionized logistics at @MSF. pic.twitter.com/kXhGAEHim8
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 26, 2017
Our best robot landing yet! We're field-testing locally affordable and repairable flying robots to deliver medical supplies in the Amazon pic.twitter.com/RfwjHixGa0
— WeRobotics (@WeRobotics) June 28, 2017
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