Quick refresher on blockchain. It\u2019s essentially an encrypted database that exists in multiple synchronized copies. You can\u2019t add or change something in this database without agreement from all the parties that maintain it. As such, it\u2019s theoretically safe from forgery or other tampering. A second benefit to blockchain is that, since all the parties hold a copy, they all have ready access to the data stored on the ledger.<\/p>\n
So what information about drones could go in here?<\/p>\n
The DOT suggests several, such as a blockchain-based flight recorder. Flight data would be streamed to and recorded on the blockchain. If there\u2019s been an accident or near miss, regulators would know they have the true, unaltered report of where and how the drone flew. They wouldn\u2019t have to request it from the drone operator, who might have incentive to fudge the data. And it\u2019s not just for mishaps. Insurers might want access to the data to judge how safely a company that it underwrites has been operating its drone fleet.<\/p>\n The paper has one especially dramatic example: organ transplant deliveries by drone. (This has occurred before, and some healthcare delivery projects are talking about doing more.) With blockchain, everyone involved could have up-to-the-second info on all aspects of the operation. This includes recording the drone\u2019s status. Where is it currently? Where\u2019s it headed, and at what speed? How are the battery and other critical readings?<\/p>\n Likewise, there could be stats on the organ itself. How long has this, say, kidney, been outside the body of the donor? What temperature is it at? Both the hospital providing the organ and the one expecting it would have constant updates on its status. A team could be kept ready on the receiving end to get the organ and patient into surgery as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Source:\u00a0https:\/\/dronedj.com\/2020\/04\/29\/us-government-blockchain-make-drones-safer\/<\/a>\n<\/a><\/p>\n