The partnership between Apian and Matternet expands NHS drone delivery in London with new routes and pathology network integration.
Apian has announced that American drone delivery company Matternet will join its NHS drone delivery network in London. This marks Matternet’s first operational deployment in the UK.
Building on the success of Apian’s existing service at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals with Wing, the program has demonstrated how on-demand drone delivery enables improved clinical productivity, cost savings and CO2 emission reductions.
The expansion adds additional routes and doubles down on NHS pathology networks, including centralised hubs like Synlab Blackfriars, helping process tens of millions of tests each month.
Apian also plans for autonomous ground delivery robots, designed to automate the final ‘last yard’ of hospital logistics. The robots will enable hands-free transport of samples and supplies directly between delivery drones and clinical teams, reducing delays and freeing up staff.
Apian is working with Great Ormond Street Hospital to scope the integration of this technology alongside its drone operations.
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Professor Ian Abbs, CEO of Guy’s and St Thomas’, said, “The drone trial has been an innovative way to help us care for our most vulnerable patients by speeding up test results, and doing this in a way which is sustainable.”
“We are looking forward to working with Apian on the next phase, which will expand the benefits to more of our staff and patients.”
Andreas Raptopoulos, CEO at Matternet, said, “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Apian and to operate in the UK for the first time. As a leader in medical drone delivery, we are well-positioned to support the NHS in delivering faster, smarter and more equitable care for patients across the UK.”
“On a personal level, this has extra meaning as my children were born in NHS hospitals.”
Alexander Trewby, Apian Co-Founder and CEO, said, “From 5,000 patient samples delivered at Guy’s and St Thomas’, to quadruped robots at GOSH – we’re building intelligent infrastructure that quietly transforms care.”
“Our new partner Matternet brings choice and scale, helping us create logistics that work invisibly in the background and freeing up clinical teams to focus on the patients who need it most.”
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