Matternet's design for a Medical Aid Quadcopter
What's the News: Many of the unmanned aerial vehicles we hear about are flying off to war
, laden with weapons or surveillance equipment. The tech start-up Matternet
, however, is designing small quadcopter UAVs to carry peaceable payloads, delivering medical supplies and other necessities to areas dangerous or difficult to reach by road. How the Heck:
The quadcopters are based on already-developed, open-source UAV tech from DIY Drones. They navigate both by GPS and by homing in on landing pads, which serve as beacons.
Matternet's current prototype can fly nearly two miles while carrying a two-pound load. Its first commercial model, which could be ready in three to six months, will be able to carry a four-pound load more than six miles. One kit of a quadcopter and two stations will cost $1200 for parts plus labor, and the company plans to ...
