Despite the remarkable progress in transplant over 65 years, organ transportation has not been innovated. The current system is challenged by expense, time, and safety. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capable of on-demand life-urgent delivery of organs, blood, and medications may represent a pathway toward saving lives in transplant and beyond.1
In the last 5 years, dramatic advances in UAS technologies have been realized. Unmanned aircraft system technologies allow for ranges of more than 1000 miles, speeds faster than 150 miles per hour, and vertical takeoff and landing. Further, artificial intelligence technologies have ushered in a new era of autonomous flight, allowing for pilotless travel. Our group recently showed that UAS technologies can be used to move human organs.1