The skies of North Carolina may soon see more action beyond the occasional flock of passing birds. In an effort to boost air transportation innovation, a new partnership has been announced between the N.C. Department of Transportation and a cohort of leading state universities. According to N.C. Department of Transportation statement, the newly formed University Transportation Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) unites N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University, N.C. State University, and Elizabeth City State University in an effort to advance the future of how North Carolinians move people and packages around the state.
"This center represents an extraordinary opportunity to revolutionize transportation in our state," interim director of aviation for NCDOT, Nick Short, told the press. Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Findley, lead researcher at N.C. State University's Institute for Transportation Research and Education, highlighted the transformative potential of Advanced Air Mobility for both rural and urban communities. With a keen focus on areas like emergency response and economic impact, the universities are setting sights high on integrating air mobility into the existing fabric of transportation, as detailed by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Each institution within the collaboration has been tasked with specific roles. N.C. A&T State University takes the helm, developing simulation platforms for safer coordination between ground and eVTOL aircraft, and engaging the public to smooth the sociotechnical transition. N.C. State University, meanwhile, is all about integrating surface and air systems, boosting emergency services in out-of-the-way places, and making sense of the economic and workforce ramifications of such tech.
Elizabeth City State University delves into the realm of UAS and AAM applications for emergencies, aiming to guide policymakers and craft training programs for the next wave of operators. These efforts not only promise to enhance mobility but also address the dire needs of rural areas in the throes of disaster situations. The initiative not only looks to the sky but also to the classroom, ensuring North Carolina's workforce is prepped for leadership in a shifting field of transportation technology.
With $2 million in funding to kick things off, North Carolina is positioning itself as a leader in the transportation tech sphere. The University Transportation Center of Excellence isn't just about groundbreaking research; it's also fostering training programs that aim to keep the state a step ahead in the global race towards transportation innovation. The partnership anticipates that what they're building today will land as the backbone of tomorrow's transport systems.
