US vertiport developers eVertiSKY and Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions (VI&E Solutions) are advancing their efforts to establish comprehensive operational infrastructure for urban air mobility in Chicago. The UAM Living Labs initiative, which began in January 2024, focuses on identifying commercialisation members whose capabilities will contribute to the UAM value chain, essential for establishing Chicago's first UAM vertiport.

The UAM Living Labs plays a critical role by providing a real-world testing ground for UAM technologies, collaboration and operational strategies. Through extensive data collection and stakeholder engagement, each UAM Living Labs identifies optimal vertiport locations, efficient operational protocols, and the economic and environmental impacts of UAM integration.

The collaborative efforts include setting up aircraft charging stations at the vertiport for eVTOL operations, ensuring these vehicles have dedicated and reliable energy sources. VI&E Solutions is also expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the surrounding UAM economic zone, facilitating the integration of ground-based electric vehicles into the urban transport ecosystem.

Sandra Formenton, CEO of eVertiSKY, comments: “The partnership with VI&E Solutions and its pioneering modular vertiport approach significantly enhances our innovative suite of vertiport architecture models. This represents a leap forward in integrating versatile, scalable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of urban air mobility.”

Grant Fisk, CEO of VI&E Solutions, adds: “Our collaboration with eVertiSKY is a commitment to revolutionising urban air mobility infrastructure. This partnership extends beyond the vertiport, fostering a truly integrated transportation ecosystem. Together, we are driving forward the future of transportation.”

In the third quarter of 2024, the project will transition into the next stage with federal, state and local engagement. VI&E Solutions' multimodal EV charging solutions will be incorporated into eVertiSKY's CityAPI dashboard which provides a transparent, real-time view of vertiport ground assets, including the specifications of Volatus EV units, and is accessible to operators via the NASA UTM, ensuring seamless coordination and management of both air and ground operations.