Matternet, a leader in commercial drone delivery systems for urban and suburban environments, has made several groundbreaking strides in the Greater Zurich Area, including implementing the world’s longest urban drone delivery route. These achievements highlight Zurich's potential as a hub for advanced drone operations.
Matternet's mission is to make access to goods as seamless as access to information. As the leading developer of commercial drone delivery systems for urban and suburban environments, the U.S.-based company offers the Matternet M2 drone and Matternet Software Platform. Since conducting their first BVLOS flights in Switzerland in 2015, Matternet has continually pushed the boundaries of drone logistics. In 2017, they became the first company authorized for commercial BVLOS operations over cities in Switzerland, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
In 2023, Matternet launched a pioneering pilot project in the Greater Zurich Area, creating the world’s longest urban drone delivery route. This five-kilometer route connects Triemli and Waid hospitals, significantly reducing transport time for diagnostic samples and demonstrating the potential for efficient, on-demand delivery in urban settings.
Why the Greater Zurich Area?
Matternet chose the Greater Zurich Area for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) has been instrumental in developing a world-leading regulatory framework for safe and effective drone operations. Since Matternet's first BVLOS flights in Switzerland in 2015, their collaboration with FOCA has resulted in numerous global commercial firsts and established reliable processes for operation approval.
Additionally, Greater Zurich hosts top-tier academic institutions like ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, which excel in fields crucial to Matternet’s technology, such as robotics. Matternet has extensively collaborated with these institutions, benefiting from their cutting-edge research and expertise.
Drone technology in Greater Zurich
Drone technology in Greater Zurich
The Greater Zurich Area is the world's leading location for the development of core technology (software, autopilot, sensors) for drones and commercial applications. Top universities, a large and active community of developers, numerous drone and component manufacturers, and innovation-friendly authorities make Switzerland the "Silicon Valley of robotics". Discover the top reasons why the Greater Zurich Area is the ideal location for drone companies.
Moreover, despite its size, Switzerland is home to a high concentration of global leaders in industries like pharmaceuticals, banking, and specialized engineering. The country's strong reputation for safety and quality has facilitated the successful implementation of Matternet’s services, accelerating their global adoption.
Matternet plans to further expand its drone delivery network within the Greater Zurich Area, aiming to enhance urban infrastructure and reduce road congestion. The company is committed to setting new standards in logistics and urban planning, leveraging the region’s dynamic drone ecosystem for continued growth.
Swiss Drone Industry Report 2024
Swiss Drone Industry Report 2024
The Swiss Drone Industry Report 2024 has been released, offering insights into the sector's current state and future outlook. We spoke with Nathanel Apter, board member of the Drone Industry Association Switzerland (DIAS), about the unique strengths of the Swiss drone industry, the Greater Zurich Area's pivotal role in fostering innovation, and the regulatory changes needed to maintain and enhance Switzerland's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global market.
