The Port of Rotterdam Authority will set up a prototype U-Space Airspace. The Port of Rotterdam Authority will set up a prototype U-Space Airspace. Software supplier Airwayz is to supply an Unmanned Traffic Management system (UTM) to the Port Authority, which it plans to use to manage unmanned drone traffic in the port area.
A UTM is similar to air traffic control for aircraft. The Port of Rotterdam Authority will test in practice how the drone airspace can best be set up and kept safe. To do so, it is partnering with Israeli software provider Airwayz. This company provides software-based artificial intelligence (AI) that can be used to make drones part of an autonomous fleet of drones. The software controls the robots and can make them perform various tasks in a variety of fields.
Growing number of drones in the sky
Drones and drone control systems are suitable for a variety of tasks. Applications can be found in a variety of sectors, ranging from agriculture to healthcare. However, think also of using drones to carry out inspections and map areas.
The number of drones in the air is growing rapidly as a result, requiring monitoring and control. Airways' software will help in managing the ever-increasing number of drones in the airspace. Airwayz' system is suitable for any drone.
Dynamic management
Characteristically, Airwayz is committed to 'dynamic airspace management'. In practice, this means that any drone pilot should be able to perform a flight at any time as long as he or she reports this flight to the UTM. In doing so, the UTM provides a flight plan. Both before and during the flight, the UTM constantly monitors the environment and identifies potential risks. If it detects a risk, the UTM suggests a change in the flight plan to avoid this risk.
Another feature is the autonomous nature of the system; automation is central. For instance, Airwayz's system uses AI to make autonomous choices. The system thus replaces the air traffic control tower, human air traffic control and supporting IT systems familiar from regular aviation.
Making port more efficient and safer
The Port of Rotterdam Authority expects to see more and more drones in the sky in the coming years. Thus, drones are going to provide more and more services for making the port more efficient and safer. Using Airwayz' UTM, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is responding to this. It wants to offer air traffic control services for the VLL (Very Low Level) air layer. These are services for drone pilots such as flight authorisation and deconfliction services.
The UTM that Airwayz is setting up at the port is a prototype. This prototype provides insight into what it means to manage the lower airspace and what the role of the Port Authority will be. It also provides insight into what keeping the drone airspace safe requires, the opportunities for drone operators in the port and the impact of drone air traffic control on the organisation. The project has a duration of two years and will start in December 2022.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source photo: Pixabay / Thomas Ehrhardt
