Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar Launches Project to Test Drone Technologies

Doha, March 10 (QNA) - Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar (ADLQ), the International Testing Agency (ITA) and Swiss drone company, Rigi Technologies launch a first-of-its-kind project to test the value of drone deliveries for anti-doping operations at sporting events. The drone operations delivered at the heart of Qatars sport movement - over Aspire Park & the Khalifa International Stadium. Drone delivery is a rapidly expanding innovation with applications ranging from medical logistics to parcel delivery. The ITA in partnership with ADLQ, are now setting the cornerstone for the adoption of this cutting-edge technology for clean sport activities at international sporting events. The project investigates the stability of scientific parameters related to delivering doping control samples by drone, compared to conventional transport by car. The Swiss-based drone delivery specialist, Rigi Technology, will provide the drone operations. The benefits of applying drone delivery in anti-doping operations are anticipated to be many-fold. Most importantly: sustainability, security and speedy delivery. During major sporting events, with event venues spread out over large geographic areas, samples are transported over relatively long distances using secured ground-transport services. Drone deliveries offers an alternative that reduces nearly all emissions related to sample transportation, whilst speeding-up delivery times and mitigating the risk of tampering with doping control samples during transportation. The focus of the Qatar project will be to gain insights as to whether drone flights impact sample stability and integrity. In addition to the scientific parameters, the drone operation itself is a major milestone showcasing that drone deliveries are a viable and reliable option for major sporting events. (QNA)