#China #ZTE #China Unicom #Anyang #YunHuan Technology

Award-Winning Innovation in Urban Medical Logistics

In a world increasingly grappling with the challenges of urban living, innovations in technology are crucial. Recently, China Unicom, YunHuan Technology, and ZTE Corporation were awarded the prestigious GSMA GLOMO Award for the category of Best Mobile Innovation for Cities. This accolade was given for their groundbreaking project titled 5G-A Smart City Low-Altitude Blood Delivery, unveiled at the MWC Barcelona 2025 event.

During a ceremony filled with industry leaders and innovators, the trio received recognition for their pivotal role in revolutionizing the way blood delivery is handled in urban environments. The collaborative effort aimed to tackle the age-old impediments faced by conventional blood delivery systems, primarily traffic congestion and delays in medical assistance, which can have detrimental effects on patient outcomes.

The Project: A Drone-Based Solution

The innovative initiative was launched in Anyang City, covering a vast urban airspace of 1,200 square kilometers. By implementing a drone-based logistics system, these organizations established 10 delivery routes, extending over 15 kilometers, connecting multiple hospitals throughout the city. Currently, over 50 drone flights are conducted daily, marking it as the largest network of low-flying drones dedicated to medical supply deliveries in the sector.

The multiple paths utilized by the drones ensure that blood products, laboratory samples, pathological sections, as well as emergency medical supplies and surgical materials, are transported swiftly across the city. This approach has significantly improved operational efficiency, reducing the average blood delivery time from 40 minutes to just 15 minutes, a remarkable enhancement of 60% in efficiency.

These advancements have led to a swift increase in hospitals' emergency response times, optimized surgical planning, and most critically, a reduction in blood wastage. Notably, the operating costs associated with blood supply have decreased by 20% for hospitals, with patients experiencing a 10% reduction in personal expenditure related to blood costs. This delivery model not only provides substantial medical and economic benefits but also promotes broader social advantages, redefining patient care standards.

The Role of 5G-A Integrated Sensing Communication Technology

A significant technological underpinning to the success of this project is the usage of 5G-A Integrated Sensing Communication technology. This advanced system ensures comprehensive communication support and safety detection for all drone operations. Network performance tests have confirmed that the drones can be tracked continuously, with precise monitoring of their positions and flight statuses—significantly minimizing potential detection errors.

The effectiveness of this technology validates its commercial viability for low-altitude operations, paving the way for further innovations in urban healthcare logistics.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, the collaboration of China Unicom, YunHuan Technology, and ZTE is set to elevate the integration of 5G-A technology in urban management and emergency response. Their shared goal is to bolster profitability and contribute to global Smart City initiatives, offering new energy and direction.

The annual GLOMO Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the mobile industry, with this year’s jury comprised of over 260 international analysts, media professionals, and industry experts who evaluate innovations that push the boundaries of technology and excel in performance. The recognition bestowed upon China Unicom, YunHuan Technology, and ZTE is not just a testament to their individual capabilities but also highlights the collaborative spirit that drives significant advancements in urban living.

In conclusion, this collaboration signifies a monumental stride toward a future where technology seamlessly integrates into public health systems, ensuring that urgent needs are met swiftly and effectively, saving lives critically dependent on timely medical intervention.