Since the inception of drone technology, delivery has emerged as one of its most promising applications. This has given rise to the exciting dream of drones seamlessly delivering online orders right to our doorstep with a simple click. And then, the idea of designated spots where drones can safely drop off packages and depart has gained traction. However, it is crucial to consider several critical safety-related aspects associated with this idea. These factors include the distance to be flown, the population density in the overflown area, airspace traffic, package size, and prevailing weather conditions.
Advantages of drone delivery
One of the major advantages of using drones for delivery is the significant improvement in cost and time efficiency. This becomes particularly crucial when it comes to delivering essential medical supplies such as blood samples, drugs, or organs where time plays a critical role. Drones have the ability to bypass traffic jams and infrastructure limitations, enabling them to reach remote or poorly accessible areas. This means that they can provide healthcare services to underserved regions and ensure the swift delivery of perishable products.
Drones can navigate through more direct paths, minimising energy consumption compared to traditional vehicles. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road they alleviate traffic congestion, resulting in a positive environmental impact.
Addressing safety concerns in drone delivery
While drone delivery offers numerous benefits, it is important to acknowledge and address certain safety issues. Firstly, the reliability of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) used in delivery operations can vary. Thus, it is necessary to assess the performance and reliability of different drone models in different scenarios. Secondly, coordination between delivery service providers and other drone operators is essential to avoid collisions and accidents particularly for operations at Very Low Level (VLL). Infrastructures are required not only in the air, but also on the ground. Establishing physical infrastructures for receiving packages and/or landing the drones is essential. They include vertiports, vertistops and charging stations but also supporting technology assets such as automatic doors for warehouse entry. Finally, compliance with safety regulations and guidelines is paramount. This includes ensuring that the drone model used meet the necessary safety standards, obtaining appropriate authorisations and fulfilling operator and personnel requirements. Complying with these requirements helps guarantee the safe and effective deployment of drone delivery services.
Ensuring safe drone delivery with EuroUSC Italia
EuroUSC Italia offers comprehensive support services tailored to various entities. Here is an overview of our offerings for each customer category:
If you are a Manufacturer…
As a Manufacturer, ensuring the reliability and robustness of your drone is crucial for safe operations. EuroUSC Italia can assist you in verifying the design and construction of your drone in compliance with EASA requirements and European regulations. We provide comprehensive support to help you obtain the crucial DVR (Design Verification Report). This report is essential for conducting flights in densely populated cities ensuring the development of a successful drone business.
If you are an UAS Operator…
According to the EU UAS Regulation, conducting a risk analysis of your drone delivery operation is mandatory. EASA identified SORA methodology as the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) for this task. EuroUSC Italia can support Operators throughout the authorisation process, assisting in developing operational procedures and the Operations Manual. We provide SORA-based assessments tailored to your operations, helping you reduce risk levels and facilitate the acquisition of authorization from the National Aviation Authority (NAA). We also offer courses for people which want to conduct a drone risk analysis but don’t know the requirements and documentation needed.
Coordinating with other airspace users at low altitudes is essential to avoid conflicts and collisions. EuroUSC Italia ensures the success of your operations by providing fair, affordable, and efficient access to all the types of airspaces and can support operators in obtaining airspace reservation when necessary.
Additionally, EuroUSC Italia can assist in implementing U-Space services. We conduct feasibility analyses for the implementation of U-space services and supporting infrastructures, such as ground infrastructure (vertiports). Furthermore, we support operators in obtaining certification for such services and infrastructures.
If you are an Enterprise…
In today’s competitive landscape, evaluating innovative and efficient solutions is key to optimising your business. EuroUSC Italia assists Enterprises in exploring opportunities involving drone usage, enabling them to leverage economic and technological advantages. With decades of experience, EuroUSC Italia can identify suitable UAS models and/or operators to conduct drone operations. We provide training and help in obtaining necessary flight authorizations. Our expertise supports you in the development of drone business.
EuroUSC Italia’s contribution to medical supplies delivery
For over two years, EuroUSC Italia has been actively involved in the FF2020 initiative, to ensure adherence to European regulations and safety standards in the development of cutting-edge services and infrastructures for Urban and Advanced Air Mobility. As part of this initiative, EuroUSC Italia has played a significant role in conducting trial runs of drone operations, specifically focusing on the transportation of biomedical materials at Milan’s IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele.
One critical aspect of this operation was the control of vibrations and temperature during the journey, as maintaining a stable and controlled environment is essential to preserve the integrity of delicate materials and preventing damage or degradation that could compromise their efficacy. To this regard, EuroUSC Italia has worked closely with ABzero, the selected startup responsible for UAS operations, assisting in the development of procedures to guarantee flight safety, and conducting the SORA assessment to analyse and mitigate all potential risks on the ground and in the air. EuroUSC Italia has provided crucial support throughout the authorization process with ENAC (Italian NAA), while the Smart Capsule developed by ABzero has guaranteed the constant and carefully monitoring of the asset conducted, thus assuring the success of the operation.
“The synergy with EuroUSC Italia is crucial for ABzero.” declares Giuseppe Tortora, founder of ABzero “Thanks to the high-level professionalism and fruitful teamwork, in recent years we have mastered our medical transport service through a specific risk analysis, adhering strictly to aviation standards and European regulations.”
Watch the the video highlights of the FF2020 demos at Ospedale San Raffaele di Milano.
Who is ABzero
ABzero is an innovative and technologically advanced Italian startup with high social relevance, driven by a precise idea: to transport precious and perishable goods, blood, and blood components efficiently and safely from donations, organs, special medicines, and organic zero-kilometre food. It is a spin-off of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, an excellence in robotics. The team includes technical experts in the aeronautical and regulatory field, marketing and sales management, software development, and electronic design, along with advisors from the medical and innovation worlds.
