BeNeDrone
AI in the air, safety on the ground
Work Packages
WP1: Project Management
Lead: Maastricht University
Efficient monitoring and management of project activities, progress, objectives, and budget; consistent compliance with all relevant legal and ethical standards throughout the project; and effective communication and coordination within the project.
WP2: Communication
Lead: Maastricht University/BISS
Fulfillment of the PR and communication obligations for beneficiaries, as set forth in the program regulations, and also contributes to increasing the project’s visibility and awareness among the target audience.
WP3: Drone Route Estimator
Lead: Maastricht University/BISS
Development and evaluation of the Drone Route Estimator, an interactive web interface that allows users to calculate routes and set parameters (e.g., avoiding highways). The tool calculates the most efficient route and highlights potential issues (such as weather conditions). The goal is to provide insight into the medical and economic benefits of drone use in Flanders and the southern Netherlands.
WP4: Drone Route Virtual Reality Simulator
Lead: Lugus Studios en Sakari
This work package focuses on the Drone Route Simulator, which simulates drone flights in virtual and mixed reality to investigate the practical challenges of flying over complex terrain in Flanders and the southern Netherlands. It takes into account factors such as roads, water, land, various weather conditions, and dynamic airspace usage. The goal is to provide insight into the practical advantages and disadvantages of medical drones, complementing the theoretical calculations of the Drone Route Estimator.
WP5: Pilots and Validation
Lead: Dutch Drone Centre
This work package focuses on testing and validating the Drone Route Estimator and Simulator in collaboration with stakeholders such as hospitals, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies. This is done through interactive sessions, experimental flights at the Dutch Drone Center, and by comparing simulation results with real-world outcomes. Medical experts are investigating how drones can improve healthcare processes, while regulatory agencies are assessing how the tools can support them. Scenarios are validated in collaboration with field experts—including sub-processes and human-machine interaction—to evaluate feasibility and benefits in real-world situations. WP5 thus serves as an “internal client” for the other work packages.