Coronavirus has not only left many industries disrupted but also paved the way for advancements in select sectors. Like telehealth and autonomous delivery robots, coronavirus has also given drones an opportunity to kick in. And, the Irish drone startup Manna has made used of this pandemic outbreak despite the disruption in its plans.
Founded in 2018 by Bobby Healy, Manna was all set to kick start its drone delivery service around a Dublin university campus back in March but the pandemic outbreak and the subsequent lockdown disrupted its pilot programme. However, the drone startup reshuffled its operations and started delivering medication and urgent supplies to the senior citizens in rural areas.
Manna adapted to changes!
Initially, Manna was all set to deliver Ben and Jerry’s ice cream to students in Dublin. The startup struck a deal with Unilever and Just Eat to deliver the same to 30,000 students of Dublin University from March 18. As it neared the fixed date, the pandemic outbreak made changes to the company’s plans. The founder and CEO, Bobby Healy realised that people isolated in rural areas will be in need of medicines and groceries among other essential supplies. And, decided to use Manna’s drones to deliver these supplies.
What’s interesting to know about this Irish drone delivery startup is that they didn’t wait for things to calm down and the Irish government to ease restrictions. Instead, they used the food delivery drones to delivery medication and other essential supplies. During the coronavirus outbreak, the drone delivery startup ensures to follow safety measures and social distancing norms. Drones execute deliveries with zero human contact that isn’t the case with normal ways of delivery.