Teen Network Magazine january issue | Page 23

Did you know that's East Africa leads the world in drone delivery?? Now you know! Case studies of Tanzania and Rwanda shows the drones have found a place to call home in East Africa. Zipline, Rinaudo's company operating the world's only drone delivery system at a national scale; sends out blood, medicine, food, water and any other survival items to remote and difficult to access areas. To place an order, a health care worker simply sends a text via WhatsApp. Zipline’s local operators load a drone at the distribution center and launch it into the air, whereupon it autonomously navigates the route to its destination and typically arrives within 30 minutes. To save on battery life and prevent wear- and-tear, the drone doesn’t land; instead it drops its cargo by parachute and then heads back to the distribution center. DRONES IN EAST AFRICA  The technology has proven reliable with Zipline operating 500 flights each day on all weather. Rwanda has been optimistic with the technology; making key policies that have created an enabling environment for the drone delivery program. This is significant in creating and managing a strong delivery system. Tanzania is yet another place to watch come 2018 following the opening of 4 drone distribution centers with over 100 drones and a minimum of 2000 flights a day.