Ep 6. Africa Blood Drone

The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation is a documentary TV series that celebrates innovative people and their inventions while exploring their impact on society. Season 5, episode 6 features an invention that has the potential to revolutionize medical care in Africa: a blood delivery drone.

The episode starts by introducing us to the problem of blood delivery in remote areas of Africa. Many regions don't have access to proper medical facilities, and even if they do, transporting vital supplies like blood can be challenging due to poor roads and lack of infrastructure. Blood loss is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Africa, and delays in blood transfusions can often prove fatal. This is where the blood delivery drone comes in.

Invented by engineers at Zipline International, the drone can carry up to three units of blood and fly up to 75 miles at a speed of 80 mph. It takes off and lands at specially designed distribution centers, where health workers can order blood supplies via a cell phone app. Once an order is received, the drone is loaded with the blood and launched into the air. The drone uses GPS to navigate to its destination and then drops the blood supply via parachute. This eliminates the need for roads or other infrastructure and ensures that supplies reach their destination quickly and efficiently.

The host of the show, Mo Rocca, introduces us to the Zipline team and takes us on a tour of their distribution center in Ghana. We see the drones in action, and Mo speaks to the health workers who are using this technology to save lives. The team also discusses the challenges of building and operating a fleet of drones in Africa, such as dealing with extreme weather conditions and overcoming regulatory hurdles.

In addition to the blood delivery drone, the episode also features other exciting inventions. We learn about the "Guardian Angel" device, which can monitor the vital signs of premature babies and alert doctors if their condition starts to deteriorate. We see a new type of 3D printer that can create complex metal parts for airplanes and other industries. And we learn about a company that's using sound waves to break down plastic waste and turn it into fuel.

Throughout the episode, Mo Rocca provides insightful commentary and asks thought-provoking questions. He speaks to the inventors and engineers behind these revolutionary technologies and explores the potential impact they could have on our world. The show combines science, technology, and human interest stories to create a fascinating and engaging viewing experience.

Overall, season 5, episode 6 of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation is a must-watch for anyone interested in cutting-edge technology and its impact on society. The show highlights the power of innovation to solve real-world problems and improve people's lives. It's an inspiring and informative look at the latest trends in science and technology and the people who are driving them forward.