A drone created by Doosan Mobility Innovation transported 15,000 masks to residents of remote islands in South Korea.
The hydrogen fuel cell drone flew to Gapa, Mara and Biyang islands, delivering three months of face mask supplies to the 490 residents, assuming they use two masks a week.
It flew 8.8km from Jeju to reach ports on Mara Island and masks were distributed to Gapa and Biyang on two consecutive trips.
Won Hee-ryong, governor of Jeju Province, said, “As there are no pharmacy or post office in Gapa Island, there were concerns about public mask supply. Now I can be rest assured with drone delivery.”
It was the first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLS) flight conducted for COVID-19 support and was possible through a special waiver from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The drone’s performance was stable despite heavy winds, and the team are looking at further developments to improve wind resistance and speed.