AI is Used by Flying Car Company to Design Vehicles

SkyDrive is using artificial intelligence (AI) to design flying cars.

In a leap toward futuristic transport, Japan-based eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle manufacturer SkyDrive is using artificial intelligence (AI) to design flying cars. Partnering with Braid Technologies, the company applies AI to optimize the structure and performance of its electric aerial vehicles (EAVs).

SkyDrive and Braid Technologies work together to explore millions of structural design patterns. This collaboration helps SkyDrive build lightweight and efficient vehicles. Braid’s engineers blend mathematics, physics, and AI to create high-performance designs. Unlike standard approaches such as topology optimization, Braid uses advanced algorithms that consider numerous structural variables.

“We’ve been collaborating with Braid to find smarter ways to improve our next-generation eVTOL,” said Arnaud Coville, Chief Development Officer at SkyDrive. “Their technology allows us to consider thousands of variables that impact weight and structure in real-time.”

Founded in 2018, SkyDrive completed its first crewed flight in 2019. Since then, it has pushed forward with development and deployment plans. For example, SkyDrive recently signed an agreement with Osaka Metro to explore using EAVs for urban mobility in the Osaka region. The plan includes vertiport operations and integration with the metro’s existing transit services.

Osaka Metro, which carries over 2 million passengers daily, has invested in SkyDrive. It also manages various modes of public transport, including driverless trams and taxis. The collaboration marks a new era in seamless mobility.

SkyDrive is expanding globally. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepted its type certification application, submitted via Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). SkyDrive aims to secure JCAB certification by 2026 and is also pursuing FAA approval.

In preparation for entering the U.S. market, SkyDrive established a subsidiary and formed strategic partnerships. In South Carolina, the company partnered with Volatus Infrastructure to develop advanced mobility networks. Following Everisky’s acquisition of Volatus, SkyDrive strengthened its regional presence.

Additionally, SkyDrive agreed to sell five of its three-seat aircraft to Bravo Air, a private charter service based in Augusta, Georgia. This partnership supports use case development from Augusta Regional Airport, expanding operations into Georgia.

The production of the SkyDrive SD-05, also known as the “flying car,” is underway at a Suzuki facility in Shizuoka, Japan. Through Sky Works, its manufacturing arm, SkyDrive aims to produce up to 100 units annually in collaboration with Suzuki.

SkyDrive’s impact reaches tourism as well. The MASC General Incorporated Association, focused on aerial tourism in the Setouchi Islands, ordered several SD-05s. The two groups are also assessing suburban routes that could benefit from aerial transport.

The global footprint continues to grow. Florida-based Aeroauto Global is preparing showrooms in Florida and Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, EAV developer Pal-V has launched a showroom in Germany.

To support infrastructure, SkyDrive has partnered with Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) to build high-speed EAV charging stations. The first station is expected to launch this year. Their collaboration began in 2022 and now enters the development phase.

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry recently awarded SkyDrive an $82 million grant as part of the Next Generation Air Mobility Field program. The funding supports the company’s mission: “to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as daily transportation in Japan and globally.”

SkyDrive also plans to supply up to 50 aircraft to Solyu in South Korea. Solyu, a leasing and financing company, aims to use EAVs to ease the region’s heavy traffic congestion.

From AI-assisted designs to global partnerships and government backing, SkyDrive is shaping the future of flight making flying cars a reality, not just a vision.