PhD graduate Samuel Ord: enhancing drones to better deliver humanitarian aid

Samuel Ord’s passion for innovation led him to conduct research in enhancing the range, endurance, and payload capacity of fixed-wing drones for logistic operations.

“I believe that the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) industry offers numerous opportunities for creativity and development, which is why I chose to become an engineer,” said Samuel.

In his study, packages are delivered via a tethered system so that the drone remains airborne while the packages are offloaded, after which it can simply fly away.

“This is especially crucial for humanitarian efforts, where delivering aid to regions affected by natural disasters can be challenging, especially where road infrastructure is limited,” Samuel explained.

“With this new design, aid can be transported quickly and safely, even to remote settlements that are often hours away from local medical centres, to provide rapid assistance during critical times of need.”

“This increased capacity adds to the network in ways that current designs cannot support.”

Photo of a yellow airplan dropping a small packing over green fields.

Samuel’s research not only explores the delivery capability of drones, it also contributes to a broader understanding of how machine learning can be applied in autonomous systems.

He explained that his study introduces a new approach for autonomous delivery systems, which results in drones not only capable of short-haul deliveries in urban environments but also makes them suitable for longer-range freight missions.

“This allows logistics companies to design deliveries using drones from start to finish, rather than only focusing on the last-mile delivery aspect they are currently considering.”

Samuel’s passion and interest for the UAV industry is leading him to continue with research post his PhD.

“I feel that there is still much more I can contribute and accomplish.”

“I would like to continue this project with a team and see it through to operation.”

Watch the Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony livestream

Tune in as our PhD graduates receive their testamurs at the 2025 Melbourne Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony, from 3pm on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

Watch now

29 April 2025

Graduates at the 2025 Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony.

Congratulations to our latest PhD graduates!

21 May 2025

90 graduates from 18 different countries officially became PhDs at last week’s Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony.

Plan ahead for assessment period

21 May 2025

Assessment period is fast approaching - or for some of you it may already be here. Luckily, RMIT's got you covered with free tools and support services that will help you get ahead.

Triumph over challenge: Turning neurodiversity into a strength

14 May 2025

After channeling his lived experience of neurodivergence into creating the productivity app Focus Bear, PhD candidate Jeremy Nagel is now undertaking research that aims to enhance tech inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals.

Marlon with his three awards at the 2024 Best of Business and Law Awards.

Budding business leader sweeps student awards

13 May 2025

RMIT Bachelor of Business graduate Marlon Holloway has won the College of Business and Law Medal at the 2024 Best of Business and Law Awards.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information