China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Haishen Medical Technology Co, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and industry partners, has unveiled the world’s first emergency medical rescue drone. This innovative drone is designed to perform precise search and rescue operations in challenging environments, including extreme temperatures ranging from -25°C to 46°C, altitudes up to 5,000 meters, and conditions such as humidity, salinity, and turbulence. Equipped with advanced medical functionalities like respiratory support, intravenous infusion, vital sign monitoring, defibrillation, and remote real-time video monitoring, the drone aims to bridge critical gaps in disaster response scenarios.
Weighing 600 kilograms with a payload capacity of 300 kilograms, the drone integrates autonomous flight modes—such as waypoint navigation and hovering—with remote ground control, enabling rapid deployment during disasters and epidemics. This development signifies a significant advancement in China’s emergency medical capabilities, offering swift on-site medical treatment and efficient transportation of injured or sick individuals in extreme conditions.
Context & Background
China has been progressively integrating drone technology into its medical and emergency response sectors. In December 2024, Wuhan’s Blood Center utilized drones to deliver blood supplies to hospitals, significantly reducing transportation time during peak traffic hours. Similarly, in March 2025, Chongqing launched a high-speed drone delivery service for emergency medicine, halving the delivery time compared to traditional road transport. These initiatives underscore China’s commitment to enhancing its emergency medical response capabilities through technological innovation.
In This Story
China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)
CSSC is a state-owned enterprise in China, primarily engaged in shipbuilding and marine engineering. It plays a significant role in the development of advanced maritime and defense technologies.
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
CAS is China’s national academy for the natural sciences. It is a leading institution in scientific research and technological development in the country.
Haishen Medical Technology Co
A subsidiary of CSSC, Haishen Medical Technology Co specializes in the development of advanced medical equipment and technologies, focusing on integrating medical expertise with cutting-edge innovations.
