A specialised medical drone which increases accessibility to essential health services such as pathology, treatments, and telehealth services in rural and remote regions of Australia is under development at the University of Sydney.

The project is a strategic partnership between the University and ASAC Consultancy, which has funded research and development for a hydrogen fuelled vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV).

The Wildu Aero Project will be led by Associate Professor Dries Verstraete from the University of Sydney. It aims to help improve health outcomes for rural and remote communities including many First Nations communities.

The medical drone is being designed to enable early detection, prevention, and treatment of health conditions common in rural and remote regions of Australia, such as sepsis, and to actively contribute to addressing the health inequities for some of Australia’s most vulnerable and isolated communities.  

The partnership with ASAC Consultancy will allow Associate Professor Verstraete and his team to design, build and test-fly prototypes. In addition to being sustainable, hydrogen fuelled, and emissions-free, the drones will be required to fly significant distances.

The Wildu Aero Project will complement local primary health networks, telehealth services, pathology services and pharmaceutical delivery.