Context and Objectives
The PHARMADRON project aims to revolutionize pharmaceutical distribution using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones). Its main goal is to design an automated logistics system to transport medicines and medical supplies to rural or hard-to-reach areas, ensuring product safety, traceability, and preservation.
The initiative addresses the need to improve efficiency, speed, and sustainability of the pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly where terrain or weather conditions hinder traditional land transport.
Expected or Achieved Results
The project has progressed through two consecutive phases under the Innovative Business Groupings (AEIs) support program.
Phase 1 defined the full system structure, including take-off and landing bases, loading/unloading processes, power and communication systems, and operational safety. Battery charging, maintenance mechanisms, sensors, and
control systems were characterized, alongside communication protocolsensuring connectivity even in coverage-limited areas.
Phase 2 advanced the digital design of the control center, enabling real-time flight monitoring, telemetry data processing, and alarm management. A graphical interface displays drone position, sensors, and trajectory, with manual control in emergencies. The first five real logistics routes were defined to validate aerial distribution between warehouses and pharmacies.
Impact and Practical Application
PHARMADRON addresses key challenges in pharmaceutical delivery: serving low-density or hard-to-access areas under adverse weather. Using drones, it reduces delivery times, cuts costs and emissions, and ensures continuity of
supply even in emergencies.
The project opens the door to a new paradigm of aerial health logistics, adaptable to sectors requiring rapid, reliable distribution, such as medical materials or disaster response.
