British startup Urban-Air Port, in collaboration with LG, has unveiled the AirOne vertiport. According to the company, this facility is the world’s first to integrate robotics with advanced artificial intelligence systems. These vertiports are designed to enhance urban air mobility and will be used for vehicles such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Urban-Air Port first showcased the AirOne vertiport in the UK in 2022. It is now available for commercial use. Partnering with LG, the startup developed a vertical port where physical infrastructure seamlessly integrates with digital solutions for ground operations.
AirOne features modular stations with integrated digital systems. It utilizes robotics technology for vertical aerodromes, which, according to the company, allows for an 80% reduction in the size of the facilities, a 50% decrease in installation costs, and a minimized environmental impact.
In addition, the vertical aerodrome will use LG’s data-driven and AI-based management systems. This allows it to offer a wide range of services, from biometric check-in and interactive waiting lounges to electric vehicle charging stations and a digital ecosystem for on-site commercial services.
Founded in 2019, Urban-Air Port is focused on four market segments: passenger air taxis, cargo logistics, defense, and emergency management and security. The company has ambitious plans, aiming to build over 200 vertiports worldwide within the next five years.
The infrastructure of vertiports is an integral part of deploying air taxis, or (e)VTOLs, which are appealing for several reasons. These taxis can operate in compact spaces and offer a viable alternative to urban transportation. A pleasant bonus for the environment is that electric VTOLs can also help reduce carbon emissions in cities.
Currently, the UK’s aviation regulator is exploring ways to implement this technology and solutions to make future operations feasible. The European Union has also published its own guidelines for designing air ports. In the meantime, a barge on the Seine will serve as a temporary air taxi launch point during the Paris Olympics, starting on July 26.
However, the company still faces challenges such as safety, cost, and standardization of VTOLs. It remains to be seen how Urban-Air Port will address these issues.
Source: thenextweb
