Advancements in Drone Delivery: Skyports and Kongsberg Geospatial Collaboration
Skyports, through its logistics division known as Delivery by Skyports, has integrated Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS technology to bolster its BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drone operations. This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of drone deliveries.
pioneering Drone Delivery Services in the UK
Skyports has made significant strides in the drone delivery sector, notably launching the UK’s inaugural COVID-19 test delivery service in Scotland in collaboration with the NHS. Additionally, they have facilitated a medical drone delivery service between the Isles of Scilly for Royal Mail, showcasing the potential of drones in critical logistics.
Enhanced Airspace Management with IRIS Technology
The IRIS airspace visualization system allows a single operator to oversee multiple drones and sensor inputs simultaneously. This technology provides real-time calculations for UAV separation and maintains line-of-sight communications, essential for BVLOS operations. Moreover, IRIS offers advanced 2D and 3D visualizations of airborne tracks and weather conditions, along with alerts and warnings, enabling operators to navigate complex airspace effectively.
Industry Insights from Leadership
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, emphasized the transformative potential of drone deliveries in supply chains, stating, “Implementing drone technology can lead to significant time and cost efficiencies while improving essential services like healthcare. The integration of Kongsberg geospatial’s innovative technology brings us closer to establishing permanent drone delivery operations, highlighting the practicality of drones for transporting goods and paving the way for broader Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives in the future.”
Ranald McGillis, President of Kongsberg Geospatial, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “We are excited to partner with a seasoned UAS service provider like Skyports. Their proficiency in managing drone delivery operations between medical facilities in the Argyll & Bute region presents a unique and valuable submission for our technology.”
