On October 21, UPS Inc. said that it expanded its commercial drone operations to include deliveries for large healthcare providers. The logistics company has created an Internet-of-Things platform for time-critical healthcare shipments and broadened its e-commerce ties with digital shipping companies.
The FAA approved company has reached an agreement with CVS Pharmacy to create a variety of drone delivery uses, including delivering prescriptions and other goods to homes.
This partnership is the first step in retailing for UPS Flight Forward, a shipper’s new subsidiary for drone operations. The service, which will debut in one or two U.S. cities in the coming weeks, shows how the parcel delivery company plans to expand its upstart drone business beyond hospital campuses.
“We’re always looking to improve convenience for customers through faster, lower-cost and more efficient delivery models,” said Kevin Hourican, president of CVS Pharmacy. “Given our focus on innovation, we’re excited to be the first retail health care company to explore drone delivery options with UPS.”
UPS already has some experience delivering medical products at the WakeMed campus since March 2019. Back in September this year, Wing teams-up with FedEx and Walgreens on a similar project.
