Niguarda Hospital begins drone testing for urgent medical deliveries

Niguarda Hospital in Milan has launched a pilot program using remotely piloted drones to transport urgent medical supplies, including biological samples, test tubes, and critical medications. The initiative aims to bypass urban traffic congestion and significantly reduce delivery times between hospital departments and facilities.

The operation is coordinated through the hospital’s Command Center. Once medical staff prepare the materials, professional pilots manage the flights using BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) technology. This allows the drones to reach their destinations in minutes, ensuring faster diagnostic and treatment processes.

The project is a collaboration involving Impianti Spa and STRADAai, and it operates under authorizations from ENAC and coordination with the Prefecture of Milan. Developed from the hospital's experience as an Olympic Hospital for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, the program seeks to integrate drone logistics alongside existing pneumatic tube systems and internal transport methods.