Niu.Link: Innovation and Sustainability in Cross-Border Biosanitary Transport
Pildo Labs collaborates in Niu.Link, a project led by Aeroports de Catalunya and co-financed by the EU, which aims to create cross-border drone corridors for biosanitary transport in the Pyrenees. By leveraging advanced UAV technologies, the project enhances the efficiency and sustainability of medical logistics, promotes regional innovation, and improves access to healthcare in remote areas.
Project Objectives and Scope
The Niu.Link project led by Aeroports de Catalunya, stands as a pioneering initiative in the creation of cross-border drone corridors, aimed at testing of transportation of medical material in the Pyrenees. Co-financed at 65% by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain-France-Andorra Program (POCTEFA 2021-2027), the project has a total budget of 1.9 million euros. This initiative seeks not only to improve the efficiency and sustainability of sanitary transport but also to promote innovation and technological development in the region.
Infrastructure and Technology Development
A key component of the project is the construction of an experimental vertiport and drone test center at Lleida-Alguaire Airport. This vertiport will serve as the base for test operations of the aerial corridors, allowing for the integration and evaluation of the necessary technologies.
The consortium responsible for Niu.Link comprises various entities, each contributing with their expertise and capabilities:
- PildoLabs: Will conduct the study of drone corridors, developing UAV functionalities in the airspace to enable their safe integration.
- Pirineos Drone: A company specialized in drone management for inspections, particularly in local logistics projects in rural and mountainous environments.
- Open University of Catalonia: Department of Economics and Business: Will analyze the feasibility of implementing logistic corridors for the supply of sanitary material in cross-border mountainous areas.
- University of Lleida, Department of Geography: Will study area-related aspects, conducting territorial analyses and mapping of the proposed corridors.
- University of Barcelona: Will prepare a report based on the quantification of the economic impact and social benefits of cross-border biosanitary transport services using UAV technologies for the territory.
- Instadrone: A French company also engaged in sales, distribution, and integration of drone technologies. They provide a service that facilitates the transport of biomedical samples between the hospital in Puigcerdà and Inovie Biomedilab in Saillagouse.
- Innov’ATM: Will provide innovative solutions for airspace security and offer their expertise in ATM, UTM, and drone detection.
More information about the Niu Link project: https://www.niu.link/
