Matternet has partnered with Robotic Skies to provide field service and repair support for operators who fly the Matternet M2 drone logistics system.

Currently, Matternet’s systems operate at WakeMed Health & Hospitals and UC San Diego Health. Since 2017, the systems have also served hospitals in Switzerland.

“Our technology has the power to transform healthcare and the world of logistics at large. As we expand Matternet’s U.S. and global operations, maintenance by certified technicians in the geographies where we operate is an important component to scaling our operations,” says Matternet CEO and founder Andreas Raptopoulos.

“We are excited to partner with Robotic Skies, who share with us a strong safety mindset and have the ability to support us across several geographies.”

Made up of the Matternet M2 UAS and the Matternet Cloud Platform, the Matternet M2 drone logistics system is enabling the first UAS airline approved by the FAA. In Sept. 2019, UPS Flight Forward was granted the full Part 135 Standard certification, allowing UPS and Matternet to expand on-demand drone delivery operations to hospitals across the U.S. Under the FAA’s Part 135 certification, operators are required to establish how and when they will perform and document aircraft inspections, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and repair.

Equipped with decades of experience serving manned aircraft operators who fly under Part 135 certification, the professionally trained technicians at Robotic Skies Service Centers will provide the industry expertise and quality practices needed to make sure that Matternet operators meet the same regulatory and safety standards for maintaining commercial unmanned aircraft fleets.

“We are thrilled to partner with an industry pioneer who understands the value that aviation-grade maintenance solutions provide to enable complex commercial unmanned operations,” says Brad Hayden, Robotic Skies CEO and founder.

“Our global network will give Matternet’s customers the maintenance infrastructure and services that ensure the utmost safety, reliability, and efficiency as they operate beyond visual line of sight and over people.”

Both Matternet and Robotic Skies are part of the Boeing HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio of companies. Boeing HorizonX Ventures consists of companies that develop technologies and capabilities to advance aerospace innovations, including mobility transformation, space and connectivity, industry 4.0 and digital acceleration.