PureLab, the Middle East’s largest laboratory network operator and a subsidiary of PureHealth, has partnered with advanced air mobility developer LODD Autonomous to launch a pilot program for transporting blood samples via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This initiative, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), will connect SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) with PureLab’s Abu Dhabi headquarters, aiming to set a new standard for healthcare logistics in the emirate.
Accelerating Diagnostics Through Autonomous Tech
The core objective of the pilot is to drastically reduce the transit times for critical medical samples. By leveraging LODD Autonomous’ next-generation UAV technology, the project promises to improve the speed, efficiency, and reliability of medical deliveries. This innovation is expected to shorten diagnostic turnaround times, ultimately enhancing the speed of medical responses and overall patient care across Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem.
This collaboration is not only a leap forward in operational efficiency but also aligns with sustainability goals by seeking to minimize the environmental impact associated with traditional transport methods.
A Strategic Push Through the SAVI Cluster
The initiative was officially launched during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week and operates under the umbrella of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, a strategic ADIO initiative designed to fast-track the adoption of intelligent mobility solutions. Insights from these trials will be instrumental in developing the regulatory frameworks necessary for the future commercial deployment of medical air transport in the emirate.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, commented on the program’s significance, stating, “Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, Abu Dhabi is advancing the frontier of autonomous technology through real-world applications that directly improve lives. This pilot marks a defining step in how autonomous systems can strengthen healthcare delivery, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class testbed where the future of mobility is designed and deployed for global impact.”
Leadership on a New Era of Healthcare Logistics
Industry leaders have highlighted the project’s potential to transform the continuum of care by integrating precision mobility with precision medicine.
“Every minute saved in transporting blood samples is a minute gained for patients awaiting diagnosis,” said Arindam Haldar, CEO of PureLab. “By integrating drone logistics into our diagnostics network, we’re not just improving delivery times, we’re advancing the entire continuum of care. This pilot reflects our belief that healthcare innovation must serve people faster, smarter, and with greater environmental responsibility.”
Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, added, “This pilot project is a real-world demonstration of how autonomous aviation can enhance healthcare logistics through fast, safe, and sustainable medical transport solutions. What we are doing today is not a distant vision, it is a practical step toward improving responsiveness and elevating healthcare service quality in Abu Dhabi.”
About PureLab
PureLab, a PureHealth asset, operates and manages the largest network of laboratories in the region, with over 140 ISO-accredited labs across the UAE. Conducting over 32 million tests annually, PureLab provides a comprehensive menu of in-house tests for both public and private sectors. The network plays a vital role in public screening programs and population health management initiatives.
About LODD Autonomous
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, LODD is an autonomous aerospace company founded in 2023 to pioneer the future of cargo transportation. The company designs, develops, and deploys next-generation autonomous systems for middle-mile cargo logistics. Its flagship UAV, Hili, is engineered to transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of 700 kilometres, offering scalable and efficient solutions for diverse industries.
Source: Zawya
