Europe's Bold Move Toward Autonomous Cargo Drones

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Institute has signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with two organizations to promote using autonomous cargo drones in Europe.

In Barcelona, the AAM is partnering with Grasshopper Air Mobility, creator of electric cargo drones, to advance the adoption of fully autonomous drive-flight drones for fast, green, and affordable mobility solutions in the logistics 4.0 sector.

The agreement outlines a collaborative effort between AAM Institute and Grasshopper Air Mobility to promote shared goals and leverage their shared expertise.

The collaboration will focus on developing and submitting policy recommendations to adopt autonomous aerial cargo transportation and organize joint efforts to foster industry innovation and new business opportunities.

Grasshopper Air Mobility’s electric drones integrate with automated logistics environments, offering sustainable and efficient solutions for industrial cargo transport. Its flagship e350 drone will transport up to 350kg over 200km, combining air and ground mobility.

“Right now, we are witnessing historical developments in a nascent market, and there has not been a better time to join forces,” said Jakob Saalfrank, founder and chief executive officer of Grasshopper Air Mobility. “I am looking forward to helping shape regulations and create new business opportunities, impacting autonomous mobility, sustainable aviation, and the future of society.”

Grasshopper Air Mobility is committed to zero-emission vehicles and circular economy logistics, aligning with global sustainability goals. It offers tailored solutions for various industries, including distribution and manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, military and infrastructure, law enforcement and emergency services.

In France, the AAM has an MoU with the Economic Expansion Committee of Val d’Oise to collaborate on advancing France's sustainable urban air mobility sector.

This partnership will use the expertise and resources of both organizations to drive innovation, public acceptance, and regulatory advancements in the field. They will focus on developing policy frameworks at the Pontoise-Cormeilles-en-Vexin airport, the epicenter of the project.

The Advanced Air Mobility Institute is an international nonprofit research center dedicated to educating and advocating for the broadest public benefit through the aviation ecosystem globally.

Dan Sloat, the Institute founder and president, said: “Autonomous aerial cargo transport has the potential to revolutionize supply chain logistics and to profoundly impact rural/remote communities by expediting time-critical supplies, including emergency medicine and vaccines.”

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