A team of researchers from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham have developed the Amrita Fly-Med System, a safe and reliable hybrid drone system for delivering medical aid. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is the defining global health crisis of our time. Because of the lockdown and the need for individuals to be quarantined, the health sector is trying to develop solutions for the delivery of medical aid and other emergency supplies.

Most existing drone systems can only fly short-distances. The Amrita Fly-Med System combines long-distance service range with the ability to make deliveries to one’s doorstep. It can deliver packages to specified GPS locations, thereby aiding stranded victims.

In order to deliver its packages to ground level, the drone is equipped with a drop mechanism comprising bamboo and string that safely drops the package. This mechanism was designed by students at the Disaster Management Club, Amrita Vidyalayam, Puthiyakavu.

The Amrita Fly-Med System prototype has undergone flight tests under India’s regulatory drone flight frame. It has been designed for short setup time and affordability.