How we're using drones to deliver blood and save lives | Keller Rinaudo

TL;DR

In this talk, the speaker discusses how advanced technology, such as autonomous aircraft, is being used in Africa to deliver medicine and challenges the belief that Africa is technologically backward.

Transcript

Most people think that new technology or advanced technology can never start in Africa. Instead, they think that the best way to help the continent advance is by providing aid or services that the continent can't provide for itself. So while we see advanced technology like robotics and artificial intelligence growing exponentially in the developed ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Africa has the potential to be a disruptor in technology and innovation, challenging the notion that it is technologically backward or in need of aid.
• 🏥 Rwanda has successfully implemented an automated delivery system using autonomous aircraft to deliver blood and other medical supplies to hospitals in just 20-30 minutes.
• 💡 Innovation in Africa can lead to compounding gains, as seen in Rwanda's investment in health infrastructure that has also catalyzed other parts of the economy.
• 🛩️ The success of Rwanda's delivery system has led to plans to expand the use of this technology to provide instant delivery of medical products to 10 million people in Tanzania.
• 🌍 East Africa, particularly countries like Rwanda and Tanzania, is moving rapidly in terms of technological advancements, challenging the belief that drone delivery is impossible.
• 🚁 The use of technology in healthcare logistics, such as autonomous delivery, can help solve the trade-off between waste and access to medical products.
• 📱 Cellular networks and mobile payment platforms in Africa, like M-Pesa in Kenya, have connected and empowered people, paving the way for further innovation and technological advancements.
• 🔬 Investing in local talent and entrepreneurship is crucial for sustainable development, as it has the potential to create jobs and lift millions of people out of poverty.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the mission of the robotics entrepreneur in Africa?

The mission of the robotics entrepreneur in Africa is to deliver basic access to medicine to all seven billion people on the planet, regardless of how hard it is to reach them. This is achieved through commercial contracts signed with ministries of health, making the networks sustainable and scalable.

Q: How did Rwanda implement advanced technology to overcome healthcare challenges?

Rwanda implemented advanced technology by partnering with Zipline, a company that uses electric autonomous aircraft to deliver medicine on demand. Through a commercial contract, Zipline was able to deliver a majority of the country's blood supply to hospitals and health centers within an average of 20 to 30 minutes, addressing the challenges of blood storage and predicting demand.

Q: How does the autonomous delivery system work in Rwanda?

When a patient is having an emergency, a doctor or nurse can send a WhatsApp message to Zipline requesting the necessary medical supplies. Zipline's team then prepares the requested items and packs them into autonomous aircraft called "Zips." These Zips are launched from a distribution center, travel autonomously to the hospital or health center, descend to 30 feet, and drop the package using a paper parachute. The doctors are notified one minute before arrival to receive the delivery.

Q: What impact has the autonomous delivery system had in Rwanda?

The autonomous delivery system in Rwanda has resulted in significant improvements in healthcare logistics. Hospitals and health centers can quickly receive the required medical products, reducing the need for excessive stockpiling. As a result, no units of blood have expired in the hospitals served by Zipline's system. This achievement is the first of its kind globally and demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging advanced technology in healthcare.

Q: How is East Africa leading in the adoption of advanced technology?

East Africa, particularly Rwanda and Tanzania, has taken the lead in adopting advanced technology to address healthcare challenges. Rwanda pioneered the use of autonomous aircraft for blood delivery, while Tanzania recently announced plans to use the same technology for instant delivery of medical products to remote populations. These advancements demonstrate that developing economies can out-innovate larger and wealthier ones, creating compounding gains and catalyzing economic development.

Q: How can entrepreneurship in Africa lead to sustainable employment and poverty reduction?

Entrepreneurship in Africa has the potential to lift millions of people out of poverty and generate sustainable employment opportunities. While foreign aid alone cannot achieve this, the commercial contracts established by companies like Zipline with ministries of health create sustainable and scalable solutions. By recognizing the opportunities for entrepreneurship in tackling global problems faced by developing economies, African startups can contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth.

Q: What role do young Africans play in shaping the future of disruptive technology?

Young Africans are the future engineers and innovators of Africa. They hold the key to creating disruptive technology companies in the continent over the next decade. These young individuals have already demonstrated a deep understanding and appreciation for innovative solutions like Zipline's autonomous delivery system. By recognizing the potential of Africa to scale world-changing companies and welcoming disruptive technologies, young Africans can shape and engineer a shared future of progress and development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Africa can be a leader in advanced technology and disrupt the notion that it needs aid or services from developed countries.

• Robotics and artificial intelligence are growing in Africa, with companies like Zipline using autonomous aircraft to deliver medicine to hospitals.

• Rwanda has used this technology to improve access to blood, with a delivery system that can reach any hospital or health center in just 20-30 minutes.