This Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Is Building Drones That Could Save These Kids' Lives
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Although some people perceive drones as a threat to both their privacy and their safety, one company is building unmanned aerial vehicles in hopes they could actually save lives. The Silicon Valley-based Matternet develops drones that aim to get vital resources to areas lacking sufficient infrastructure.
According to Matternet CEO Andreas Raptopoulos, 1 billion people around the world live in areas lacking roads that are accessible year-round. Matternet aims to provide these people with an alternative to traditional ground transportation, allowing quicker access to vital supplies such as vaccines and antibiotics.
Matternet is also developing a sophisticated network of outposts where the drones will make their deliveries and also charge up before their next flight.
Some of Matternet's high-profile investors include Andreesen Horowitz and the rapper Nas. Right now, the company is working to change the perception of unmanned aerial vehicles. One ultimate goal: licensing their products to human-rights organizations such as the United Nations and Doctors Without Borders.
Produced by Graham Flanagan. Additional Camera by Will Wei