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ITOCHU Corporation, Wingcopter’s partner in Japan, has tested the transport of blood using Wingcopter’s delivery drone in a research project. Together with ANA Holdings and the Japanese Red Cross local blood centre, research samples were flown between the cities of Urasoe and Nago in Okinawa Prefecture.
The project aims to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of drones in the delivery of blood products, with the long-term goal of relieving the burden on delivery staff and being prepared for disasters, especially in regions where traditional forms of transport are inefficient. “The prefecture of Okinawa, with its 48 inhabited islands, is a prime example of such a region,” Wingcopter says. “Supplying these islands using conventional delivery methods requires a lot of personnel and time. With drone deliveries, it will be possible to transport only the required amount at the exact moment it is needed.” The company adds that the 53 km long test route between Urasoe and Nago was covered by the Wingcopter in as little as 32 minutes.
A special transport container was used to keep the blood at a constant temperature of between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius during the flight. Experts have also investigated the possible effects of transport by drone on the quality of the blood supplied.
“Okinawa Prefecture is located in the southernmost part of Japan and is known for its high temperatures in the summer. Prior to the Proof of Concept (POC), we conducted multiple basic studies confirming the temperature management capability of the drone’s blood delivery box, which was manufactured and retrofitted by SUGIYAMA-GEN CO., LTD. in Tokyo. In addition, we were able to transport blood in a manner that complies with Japan’s ‘Guidelines for Transporting Medicines by Drones’,” said Hiroshi Fujita, MD, PhD, Director of Department of Transfusion Medicine at Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital. “The types of blood transported were red blood cell fluid and whole blood. Both types of blood are likely to be used in disasters and emergencies and require strict temperature control of between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. The guidelines also require measures to deal with vibrations that occur during transportation. In this POC we were able to confirm that the group of blood transported by vehicle and drone was of comparable quality to the blood of the non-flying group (control group). The results of this verification therefore show that drones may be useful as a means of transporting blood appropriately to where it is needed. We hope to see beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) testing of blood transport by drones in the future.”
ITOCHU plans to integrate multiple simultaneously operating delivery drones into the conventional ground-based supply network in the future, helping to maintain a sustainable medical system, even in emergencies. In addition, the company aims to introduce a commercial drone delivery service, in which the Wingcopter 198 will be used, among other things, to deliver high-priority medical and pharmaceutical products.
In March 2024, Wingcopter, with the support of ITOCHU, had applied for type certification in Japan for the Wingcopter 198 and was accepted for the type certification process by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau. A successful completion of the process would allow commercial flights BVLOS and over inhabited areas.