Apian, a healthcare logistics innovator, is expanding its drone delivery network for the National Health Service (NHS) in London. This expansion includes a new partnership with Matternet, a leader in urban drone delivery, and the integration of autonomous ground robots, promising faster, more efficient, and sustainable healthcare logistics.
Revolutionizing Healthcare Logistics in London
The initiative builds on the success of Apian’s existing drone delivery service at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with Wing. A six-month trial, which began in October 2024, demonstrated the potential of on-demand drone delivery to improve clinical productivity, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions. During the trial, blood samples from patients at high risk of bleeding disorders were transported via drones.
Benefits of Medical Drone Delivery:
- Faster Delivery: Drones offer quicker transportation compared to traditional land-based methods.
- Reliable Service: Drone delivery ensures more consistent and dependable transport of medical supplies.
- Sustainable Solution: Drones contribute to reducing carbon emissions, supporting environmental sustainability.
- Increased Efficiency: Rapid sample analysis enables clinicians to make faster decisions, improving patient care.
- Enhanced Productivity: Streamlined logistics allow healthcare staff to focus on patient care.
- Improved Resilience: Hospitals can maintain operations more effectively during emergencies and disruptions.
The expansion aims to extend these benefits across London’s NHS pathology networks, including centralized hubs like SYNLAB Blackfriars, which processes tens of millions of tests monthly.
Matternet Enters the UK Market
Matternet, specializing in urban drone delivery of lab samples, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies, is joining Apian’s multi-operator platform, marking its operational debut in the UK. Matternet has been active in Switzerland since 2017 and in the United States since 2019.
Andreas Raptopoulos, CEO of Matternet, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “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.”
Autonomous Ground Robots: The Final “Clinical Metre”
Apian is also advancing plans to incorporate autonomous ground delivery robots to automate the final “clinical metre” of hospital logistics. These robots will facilitate hands-free transport of samples and supplies directly between delivery drones and clinical teams, further reducing delays and freeing up staff. Apian is collaborating with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to explore integrating this robotic technology with its drone operations.
Functionality of the Robots:
- Automate the final ‘clinical metre’ of hospital logistics
- Enable hands-free transport of samples and supplies
- Provide direct transfer between delivery drones and clinical teams
Alexander Trewby, co-founder and CEO of Apian, highlighted the company’s vision: “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.”
Government Support and Regulatory Collaboration
Apian showcased its autonomous drones and delivery robots at a Downing Street reception during London Tech Week, underscoring the government’s support for innovative solutions that enhance the NHS. The company is working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and NATS, the air traffic management service, to ensure the safety and compliance of its drone operations.
Voices of Support
Professor Ian Abbs, chief executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, emphasized the positive impact of the drone trial: “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.”
Alexander Trewby added, “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.”
Future Developments
The expanded network will include additional routes focused on NHS pathology networks, enhancing the processing of millions of tests each month. New UK regulations planned for 2026 may allow for wider deployment of drones for NHS deliveries, enabling flights beyond visual line of sight and facilitating long-distance missions in remote areas.
