“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. 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,” said Matternet CEO and Founder Andreas Raptopoulos.
Robotic Skies is a global network of more than 190 independently owned and operated certified aviation repair stations serving the commercial UAS market. Through partnerships with unmanned aircraft manufacturers, Robotic Skies provides operators with local turnkey field service support that enables safe flight operations with more uptime.
“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,” said 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.”
The Matternet M2 drone logistics system, comprised of the Matternet M2 drone and the Matternet Cloud Platform, is enabling the first FAA-approved drone airline. The full Part 135 Standard certification was granted to UPS Flight Forward in September 2019, allowing UPS and Matternet to expand on-demand drone delivery operations to hospitals around the country. The FAA’s Part 135 certification includes requirements that operators establish how and when they will perform and document aircraft inspections, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and repair.
The professionally trained technicians at Robotic Skies Service Centers combine decades of experience serving manned aircraft operators who fly under Part 135 certification. Robotic Skies will provide the industry expertise and quality practices necessary to ensure Matternet operators meet the same regulatory and safety standards for maintaining commercial unmanned aircraft fleets.
Matternet and Robotic Skies are part of the Boeing HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio of companies. Boeing HorizonX Ventures is made up of companies developing technologies and capabilities to advance aerospace innovations, including mobility transformation, space and connectivity, industry 4.0 and digital acceleration.
“This partnership between Matternet and Robotic Skies demonstrates how HorizonX works to build bridges, not only between Boeing and our portfolio companies but between our portfolio companies as well,” explains Brian Schettler, senior managing director of HorizonX Ventures. “This enables the entire ecosystem to drive innovation and value, together.”
About Matternet
Matternet has developed best-in-class technology for on-demand, aerial delivery in urban environments. The company provides its technology platform-as-a-service to healthcare, e-commerce and logistics organizations. In March 2017, Matternet became the first company in the world to be authorized for full operations of drone logistics networks over cities in Switzerland. In March 2019, Matternet and UPS announced a partnership to provide drone delivery services to US healthcare systems, starting with WakeMed Health & Hospitals and most recently UC San Diego Health. In October 2019, Matternet’s technology enabled the first FAA-Approved Drone Airline, UPS Flight Forward, providing fast expansion to healthcare facilities across the US. For more information about Matternet, please visit: https://mttr.net
About Robotic Skies, Inc
Robotic Skies is a global network of commercial UAS maintenance Service Centers. Founded in 2014, Robotic Skies has more than 190 independently owned and operated certified repair stations in its network, spanning more than 40 countries. The company’s comprehensive turnkey field service programs are designed to provide scalable local maintenance solutions for manufacturers and operators. Learn more at https://roboticskies.com
