Ground robots to join London’s NHS drone network

Autonomous ground delivery robots are planned to join the drone delivery network in London to deliver NHS supplies.

Healthcare logistics firm Apian is working with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to scope the integration of the robotic technology alongside its drone operations, with the aim of reducing delays and freeing up staff.

The robots, which are designed to automate the final ‘clinical metre’ of hospital logistics, will enable hands-free transport of samples and supplies directly between delivery drones and clinical teams.

Apian announced the plans as part of the expansion of London’s NHS drone delivery network, building on its existing service at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Wing.

A six-month trial at the trust, which began in October 2024, involved the delivery of blood samples for patients undergoing surgery who are at high risk of complications from bleeding disorders.

Alexander Trewby, cofounder and chief executive of Apian, said: “From 5,000 patient samples delivered at Guy’s and St Thomas’, to quadruped robots at GOSH – we’re building intelligent infrastructure that quietly transforms care.”

Apian showcased the autonomous drones and delivery robots at a Downing Street reception during London Tech Week, which took place on 9-13 June 2025, highlighting the government’s backing for the innovation to support the NHS.

The expanded network will include additional routes, focused on NHS pathology networks, including centralised hubs like SYNLAB Blackfriars, helping to process tens of millions of tests each month.

Professor Ian Abbs, chief executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “The drone trial has been an innovative way to help us care for our most vulnerable patients by speeding up test results and doing this in a way which is sustainable.

“We are looking forward to working with Apian on the next phase which will expand the benefits to more of our staff and patients.”

Commercial drone development firm Matternet will join Apian’s multi-operator platform, marking its operational debut in the UK.

Andreas Raptopoulos, chief executive of Matternet, said: “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Apian and to operate in the UK for the first time.

“As a leader in medical drone delivery, we are well positioned to support the NHS in delivering faster, smarter and more equitable care for patients across the UK.”

Matternet specialises in urban drone delivery, carrying lab samples, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies in Switzerland since 2017 and in the US since 2019.

Alexander Trewby, cofounder and chief executive of Apian, said: “From 5,000 patient samples delivered at Guy’s and St Thomas’, to quadruped robots at GOSH – we’re building intelligent infrastructure that quietly transforms care.

“Our new partner Matternet brings choice and scale, helping us create logistics that work invisibly in the background and freeing up clinical teams to focus on the patients who need it most.”

Drones could be deployed more widely for NHS deliveries under new UK regulations planned for 2026, which would allow flights beyond visual line of sight  limit.

This would unlock long-distance missions across hard-to-reach areas, allowing drones to be used for NHS-related missions in remote areas.