MedQuad: A Low-Cost Modular Drone for Smart and Rapid Medical Delivery in Emergency Situations

In critical situations such as earthquakes, floods, or traffic accidents, delays in delivering medical supplies can mean the difference between life and death. This paper presents the conceptual design of MedQuad, an innovative, low-cost, modular quadcopter designed to facilitate rapid and intelligent delivery of medical equipment. The drone incorporates precise navigation, a hybrid power system (Li-Po battery + solar panel), and a dual-mode delivery system. MedQuad’s folding arms, modular body, and isolated cargo compartment enable quick field deployment. Navigation is achieved using GPS and visual cues (e.g., QR-Code), allowing accurate landing in locations without postal addresses. Features like SMS emergency communication, solar-assisted power, and smart payload release make MedQuad especially suitable for remote or high-risk zones. Preliminary simulations indicate that the proposed system can effectively reduce response time at a fraction of the cost compared to commercial drones, offering a practical solution for countries such as Iran.

Keywords:

Medical drones , UAV logistics , emergency delivery , solar-powered drone , modular quadcopter , smart payload , disaster response