A new research project is examining whether drone technology could be scaled up to assist cities during emergencies, with a particular focus on delivering critical medical supplies.

The URBAN ASCENT project, involving Coventry University, Coventry City Council, Skyfarer, The Manufacturing Technology Centre and Slink-Tech, will investigate drones' potential for medical deliveries, disaster response, search and rescue operations, and communication support in remote areas. 

Funded by a government grant through Innovate UK and the Department for Transport's Future Flight Regional Demonstrator programme, the project aims to establish whether drone use in urban environments is commercially feasible.

Dr Safaa Sindi, Assistant Professor at Coventry University's Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities, highlighted drones' key advantages: "The main advantage of using drones is the speed, they avoid traffic, can reach remote or hard to access areas and they are sustainable."

However, urban deployment faces challenges, including navigating cluttered spaces occupied by vehicles, pedestrians and wildlife. The study will also develop policies for commercial drone use, potentially including designated drone superhighways.

Coventry and the West Midlands will serve as the testing location due to its mix of urban and rural environments.