After initial tests in Lugano, Swiss Post will now also fly the skies over the Swiss capital, Bern. Delivery drones will transport laboratory samples between two local hospitals.
In a statement published on TuesdayExternal link, the Swiss Post said the drones would be tested over a period of two weeks. They will carry lab samples between the university hospital (also known as Inselspital) and the Tiefenau hospital in Bern. The samples are currently delivered by courier or by taxi in urgent cases.
After the test phase, the Insel hospital group will decide if this new mode of transport will be adopted. Swiss Post plans to use similar delivery methods in Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich.
It notes that using drones in the medical field has unique benefits, especially for delivering packages to locations which have been shut off by bad weather or are in a war zone.
Swiss Post is also testing other alternative and autonomous transport systems, such as shuttle buses.
More
More
Post office to start drone tests in Lugano
This content was published on
Drones will be used this month to start delivering laboratory samples between two hospitals in canton Ticino as part of tests carried out by Swiss Post.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
How drones are transforming humanitarian aid
This content was published on
The use of drones for disaster relief – whether to deliver cargo, map terrain or assess structural damage – is growing, but fraught with challenges.
This content was published on
The government has said that no favouritism is involved in the deal that will see Swiss Post delivering packages for retail giant Amazon.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.