Chengdu launches first normalized UAV medical route, cutting transfer times in half
West China Hospital of Sichuan University, together with Xinming Intelligence and Meituan UAV, has opened Chengdu's first normalized low‑altitude drone medical route in the city's high‑density urban core. The project marks the transition of the "low‑altitude + medical" model from pilot testing into regular operation.
The new route connects the hospital's Jinjiang Campus with its Huaxiba Main Campus, a distance of 13 kilometers (about 8 miles). Previously, medical samples such as genetic tests, autoantibodies, and chromosomes were transferred by car, taking 25-30 minutes under normal conditions and more than 45 minutes during rush hour. With drones, the unilateral transfer time has been reduced to just 15 minutes, cutting patient report waiting times by more than half.
In the early stage, the route will operate three round trips per day, totaling six sorties. The system is supported by a dual guarantee mechanism of "drone + ground cover," ensuring uninterrupted transfers even during extreme weather or airspace restrictions. This approach improves efficiency, reduces long‑term logistics costs, and allows medical staff to focus more on diagnosis and treatment.
Xinming Intelligence emphasized that the value of technology lies in serving industry and society. By integrating artificial intelligence and spatial intelligence into healthcare, the company aims to build a "low‑altitude + ground + warehousing" intelligent distribution system for medical supplies. Future plans also include developing digital platforms for medical planning and training, as well as expanding the use of 3D data in precision medicine.
West China Hospital of Sichuan University is one of China's largest and most prestigious medical institutions, known for its advanced clinical research and comprehensive patient care. Founded in 1892, it operates multiple campuses in Chengdu and serves millions of patients annually. Xinming Intelligence is a Chinese technology company specializing in robotics, logistics drones, and 3D scanning solutions, with products used globally across industries. Meituan UAV is part of Meituan, one of China's leading technology platforms, focusing on drone delivery and smart logistics. Together, these organizations are pioneering the integration of low‑altitude intelligent logistics into healthcare.
