Faster, more reliable and without traffic congestion: from 1 September 2025, a special period in the research will start in which drones will transport medical goods between hospitals Isala Zwolle and Isala Meppel. This will involve blood, medicines and laboratory samples. Previous tests have shown that the quality of blood samples is maintained during drone flights, so a longer test case will now come into effect. Medical drones have already been used to transport medical supplies in several countries. These projects show that drones can not only drastically reduce delivery time, but also increase the reliability of critical healthcare logistics.
The project is a collaboration between ANWB Medical Drones, Isala and various partners in logistics and healthcare. The aim of the project is to improve emergency logistics and make the care chain faster and more reliable. "Good preparation and continuous monitoring are crucial for success," said the project team (Source: RTV Oost/Isala). The drones have a wingspan of about 2.5 metres and can fly even in bad weather.
Why are medical drones interesting for logistics?
This test case shows how the logistics and healthcare sectors reinforce each other in their projects concerning technological advances. Drones enable faster deliveries of up to several kilos, even when roads are congested or every minute counts. In addition, this approach contributes to sustainability, by making transports more sustainable and optimising processes. What is happening in Zwolle and Meppel could become a blueprint for the whole of the Netherlands.
Innovation on the exhibition floor
During ICT&Logistics and Logistica Next from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Jaarbeurs Utrecht, these pioneering developments within the logistics sector will be discussed in detail. Expect inspiring sessions, meet the pioneers behind such projects and discover how robotisation, AI and other technologies are shaping the future of various sectors.
Book your tickets now and get inspired by tomorrow's logistics.
Sources: (Source: Isala, Tweakers, Dronewatch, RTV Oost)
