Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — A research team from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has developed a Medical Logistic Drone, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) aim for transporting medical logistics. Its main functions and missions include sending medical logistics to remote areas, and cut off location such as disaster sites, with a maximum weight of up to 10 kilograms.
The research was developed by ITB Engineering Physics lecturer Faqihza Mukhlish, who collaborated with Robby Azhari in the field of Defense and Space Technology Engineering Systems. “With high mobility and the ability to land on private helipads, medical drones can be an effective solution in emergency situations,” said Faqihza in a written statement on the ITB website, Thursday, August 29, 2024.
The drone research received funding from the Business World Cooperation and Reka Creation, or Kedaireka, program from the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
The idea of behind the drone roles as a Medical Logistic Drone came from the Cianjur earthquake disaster in 2022. Faqihza revealed that at that time the land transportation route was cut off, hampering efforts to provide logistical and medical assistance to the site. Thus, drones can be helpful in such cases when disasters happen.
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According to Faqihza, the UAV he developed and named the Precision Medic Drone is small in size, designed to be able to land accurately or precisely without a special station, and only required a QR code helipad. The drone is capable of traveling at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour and can reach evacuation areas quickly and efficiently.
This innovation is different from aircraft such as helicopters carrying logistics that require high costs. Before being prepared as a medical logistics aid, the drone, which was initially developed with an initial investment of up to IDR 150 million, had been used in a mangrove reforestation project on the coast of West Java. It plays a role in accelerating the planting process with the help of a seed launcher. Other collaborations with the Ministry of Defense for the delivery of military logistics.
Furthermore, it is hoped that the drone can be used by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in humanitarian missions. According to Faqihza, the use of drones is not always related to disaster issues but can also be used for daily needs.
(Raidi/Agung)
