3D Printed KAYRYS Drone is First Responder in Medical Emergencies, Delivers Aid & Communication

While the KAYRYS is one of the coolest 3D printed drones we’ve seen yet, this is no toy. And it serves as powerful a purpose as its aesthetics would hint at, meant to offer medical supplies on the scene of an accident or major disaster. Created by SlidX, a new tech startup out of Montreal, the Gyro-X8 KAYRYS has just been unveiled around the world as the newest technology in first responders for medical emergencies.

While many might still feel a bit suspicious—paranoid even—about what drones are up to, it seems safe to say that at this point they’ve proved to be a helpful and speedy transporting device, whether it’s for that much-needed large pepperoni pizza dripping with extra cheese (drop off here, please!) or clearing land mines overseas, pulling duty that can be very dangerous for humans. The key to the drone isn’t just superior convenience and speed meant to put delivery drivers out of business everywhere, it’s mainly that this unmanned aerial vehicle can often go and assist in areas that humans cannot get to quickly enough or safely.

3D printing has been connected with the drone for quite some time now as the technology allows for speed in manufacturing, unlimited customization, and best of all—lightweight components that are also affordable. 3D printed drones and accompanying accessories are very popular in the hobbyist realm, the military, weather services and as we are seeing more and more, disaster recovery efforts.

This drone is meant specifically to assist in carrying medical assistance to areas where an accident of any sort may have occurred. While people are not being transported in this aircraft, volumes of medical supplies can be dropped off and data can be obtained as to what is going on at the site.

Upon arrival of the drone, communication is established, and professionals can begin talking to victims. This is very important in car accidents, fires, and search and rescue scenarios.

“We want to bring innovative solutions and answers to the new societal stakes in the XXIst century. By wishing to guarantee efficient solutions to the current environmental problems, our team developed a flexible drone, the KAYRYS, useful in emergency medical care, for the transportation of goods and for the collection of data,” said James Desauvage, co-founder of the company SlidX.

The KAYRYS was partially 3D printed during prototyping, and the SlidX team was inspired to use the technology as they have seen it as a growing and useful trend within technology, recognizing all the benefits it offers. Working with their partner, Lézar3d, also headquartered in Montreal, SlidX saw their drone come to life with 150 pieces of the front part 3D printed—and all in less than 20 days. Overall, four different 3D printers were used to create 60% of the vehicle.

Like most combination 3D printing and drone enthusiasts, the team was well aware of how the benefits would far outweigh using more conventional technologies—with self-sustainability at the top of the list for repairs—something which needs to be a priority in the business of flying machines that may sustain a bump along the way, or even an unfortunate crash.

“It’s easier to replace defective parts. Because of all the test we have to do, when one of them is broken, it’s easier and less long to re-print this piece only. The cost for a prototype can be divided by 3 thanks to this technology,” explains one of the KAYRYS’ designers, Gary Chorostecki.

And like so many involved in creating new technology today, protecting the environment is a priority. The team at SlidX was very concerned with reducing the carbon footprint. They 3D printed with PLA and made the drone completely electric.

“…it’s consistent with our environmental commitments,” states the SlidX team in their latest press release. “It’s a great step in advanced designing an engine of this size, the rest of it is composed of carbon composite, a lightweight and stable material.”

They state that this vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOL) drone is meant for flying major missions in helping people in need quickly and efficiently, as time becomes the enemy in the face of disaster and injury. The drone currently has a battery life of one hour, with a maximum load of 12kg. It provides crucial assistance to both medical professionals and the injured, and is able to use its ergonomic, aerodynamic design to fly into areas (and to fly higher), when no other vehicle or person may be able to get there right away.

The KAYRYS is available for pre-ordering, with delivery at the end of this year. For more details and specifications, as well as other products that can be embedded into this drone, see SlidX.

Founded in 2015, Slidx was founded by James Desauvage, Jérome Le Dall, Xavier Paillat, and Gary Cho. The Canadian startup develops and produces professional Gyro-X – UAV aircraft. Discuss further over in the KAYRYS 3D Printed Drone forum at 3DPB.com.