Drones against COVID-19 in the battle for survival

The whole world is facing an unprecedented challenge due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Countries are experiencing major lockdowns; people are bound to live in quarantine under the constant fear of this pandemic. Medical experts from all over the globe are stressing on the practice of social distancing, cleanliness and hygiene, as a way to tackle the high transmission rates of this virus. While most of us have the privilege of sitting at our homes, it’s the frontline workers like the doctors, nurses, paramedics and the janitors who are at the highest risk of contamination. Especially with limited access to medical kits, masks, and sanitizers, the gravity of the situation intensifies.

A crisis like this needs smart and intelligent tools to cater to the need of the hour such as the use of drones. With zero human contact and quick action, drones can stand and be the potential game-changers in our fight against COVID-19. They can be used in more ways than one to counter this deadly virus. To start with, drones have proven to be a speedier and a much safer option for spraying disinfectants as compared to the current manual method. Without putting the workers’ lives at risk, drones can efficiently sanitize public places, and cover larger areas at one go. Their cost-effectiveness is just an added bonus.

In a viral video from China, a camera drone was caught advising an old lady on how she shouldn’t be wandering around without wearing a mask, and to wash her hands as soon as she gets back home. This entertaining video chalks out another way in which drones can be efficient in monitoring lockdown measures. With the internet flooding with videos of people roaming around the streets and public places; authorities are having a hard time enforcing a proper lockdown. As a solution, drones can not only help in monitoring such activities, but can also be used as a messenger to spread awareness among the masses. European countries such as Spain and France have already put this brilliant idea into action by using loudspeaker-fitted drones to explain the importance of social distancing and quarantine to their citizens. Drones can act as the patrol police in disguise and provide full-time surveillance. Keeping an eye in the sky has never been this easy!

Unlike other diseases, the symptoms of COVID-19 are minor and hard to detect. Fever is the most evident of them all. Drones can also serve as thermal sensors, eliminating the risk of contact between the personnel conducting the temperature checks and a potentially infected person. Through thermal sensing, drones are capable of identifying people with elevated body temperatures, which could indicate them as suspects. This mere identification in a person at an early stage can help save numerous lives.. However, the results of these calibrated drone cameras must be rechecked with standard medical methods before taking further actions.

Drones have a very reliable history with medical deliveries. The promptness of ensuring critical supplies in a time of crisis can be diligently fulfilled by medical delivery drones. In addition to speed, it doesn’t expose human delivery drivers at any risk. Availability of blood supplies, medicines and other essentials is the biggest challenge that we face as a nation. The situation is further worsened by the spread of this pandemic. In an outbreak, the scale of COVID-19 drones could become increasingly essential support for humans in fighting the virus.

Recognized for our revolutionary ideas in the ‘Industry, Manufacturing and Energy’ category of the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2020 list, we at Marut Drones are aiming to align our technology in the right direction to combat the menace of COVID-19. So, don’t miss out on our next blog, where we discuss our version of the mantra- ‘Go Corona Go!’