June 28. Novant Health, Magellan Rx Management, and Cardinal Health have launched long-range drone deliveries out of a distribution center in Kannapolis with the Zipline delivery system.

“We imagine a future in which goods are transported nearly instantly,” said Keller Rinaudo, founder of Zipline.

Instant logistics

Zipline’s drones can drop packages at customers’ homes and return to the distribution center faster than you can say Wilbur and Orville Wright. Well, not quite as fast, but they can make 7,800 square miles of North Carolina easily and quickly accessible.

“North Carolina is first in flight, and Zipline’s work is taking us to new heights,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.

The system was first tested between the distribution center in Kannapolis and Novant Health Huntersville.

Background

Zipline designs, manufactures and operates the world’s largest automated on-demand delivery service. The service offers a 98 percent reduction in delivery emissions compared to standard delivery options and creates a more personalized and faster customer experience.

Their drones are fixed wing, allowing them to fly farther. They’re launched via a roof-top catapult, then they release a small parachute to deliver their payload to a customer.

Innovation even at home

“Innovative tools like Zipline’s on-demand deliveries allow us to completely reimagine a fully remote patient care model. The potential impact of this latest launch is immeasurable, and we are extremely energized about our role in creating a blueprint for health care systems across the country,”

—Angela Yochem, executive vice president and chief transformation and digital officer
Novant Health