CAELUS 2

Project dates: 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2024

About the Project

As NHS Scotland emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on the remobilisation, recovery and redesign of services, novel use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) will disrupt models of service delivery and transform patient pathways, moving it closer to the patient and a homely care setting.

Project CAELUS 2 (Care & Equity – Logistics UAS Scotland) seeks to demonstrate how drone technology can enhance access to essential medical supplies, particularly in rural parts of Scotland, and establish the UKs first national distribution network serviced by drones.

Please Note: Funding available is the grant value awarded by Innovate UK.

Project Activities

CAELUS 2 will carry out live and digital flight demonstrations, with the aim of proving that operating a network of multiple drones can integrate safely with existing flight. The project consortium bring a diverse range of technical and industry experience and expertise to support CAELUS 2 in achieving its aims and objectives.

The project has three main workstreams:

• Developing new concepts for drones to integrate with others using Scotland’s airways.
• Demonstration of these concepts through implementation and operation of physical and digital flight demonstrations of drone deliveries by multiple drone operators and an innovative digital twin model to optimise the network.
• Demonstration of innovative new ways of proactively engaging with communities, airspace users and potential customers.

Project Benefits

The diverse project consortium, which includes Scottish NHS trusts, will aim to demonstrate the opportunity presented by UAS to transform patient experience and reduce the impact of traffic congestion and CO2 emissions.

To find out more about the project, please contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Knowledge Transfer Manager for Aviation.

Project Partners

• AGS Airports
• ANRA Technologies
• Arup
• AtkinsRéalis
• Cellnex UK
• Commonplace
• Connected Places Catapult
• DGP Intelsius
• Dronamics
• NATS
• NHS Grampian
• Pinkfroot
• Skyports Deliveries
• The Drone Office
• Trax International
• TÜV SÜD (UK)
• University of Strathclyde