Air2X – Your hotline to the skies

For an automated and connected transport system, communication between vehicles, and between vehicles and infrastructure, is of central importance. The DLR is now going one step further and is also integrating near-ground air traffic in a shared transport space.

Digitalisation is fundamentally changing our mobility in many areas. In addition to self-driving cars, airborne drones are playing an ever-increasing role in an automated and connected transport system of tomorrow. Possible applications include the transport of vital medical products or the support of rescue operations from the air. The possibility of communication between ground-based traffic and airborne traffic and vice versa is fundamental for the integration of near-ground air traffic in the transport system (road, rail and water): Air2X. Not only can this open up a further dimension in our mobility in the distant future – there are already scenarios in which it could save lives. DLR scientists have demonstrated this with a specific application.

The aim of the Air2X demonstration is to show that helicopter rescue operations on motorways can be carried out more safely and quickly with the help of communication with vehicles. To this end, the researchers have connected a drone - representative of a helicopter – directly with a network of vehicles (i.e. without integration of infrastructure). In this way, the drone (or helicopter) can automatically transmit its planned landing site to inform vehicles that have an appropriate communication interface. A digital barrier prevents these vehicles from entering the desired landing site. This also creates a physical barrier for all following vehicles in their lane.

A prototype scenario was conducted on the test site. Implementation in a helicopter is being prepared together with ADAC air rescue services.

Air2X – Communication between helicopters and vehicles can save lives
With the Air2X project the DLR Institutes of Transportation Systems, Flight Guidance and Flight Systems are breaking new ground. After all, communication between aerial and ground vehicles is a new field of research, but one that has great potential. In this film the researchers directly implemented the communication of a drone - exemplary for a helicopter - with vehicles on a test site. This enables the drone to automatically transmit its planned landing site and inform vehicles that have a corresponding communication interface. A digital barrier prevents these vehicles from entering the desired landing zone. This also creates a physical barrier for all following vehicles in their lane. With this unique communication technology air rescue operations can be carried out more safely and quickly by helicopters on freeways.

Air2X – Communication between helicopters and vehicles can save lives

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Air2X – Communication between helicopters and vehicles can save lives
With the Air2X project the DLR Institutes of Transportation Systems, Flight Guidance and Flight Systems are breaking new ground. After all, communication between aerial and ground vehicles is a new field of research, but one that has great potential. In this film the researchers directly implemented the communication of a drone - exemplary for a helicopter - with vehicles on a test site. This enables the drone to automatically transmit its planned landing site and inform vehicles that have a corresponding communication interface. A digital barrier prevents these vehicles from entering the desired landing zone. This also creates a physical barrier for all following vehicles in their lane. With this unique communication technology air rescue operations can be carried out more safely and quickly by helicopters on freeways.

With this unique communication technology, air rescue operations become less dependent on ground rescue services on site. The time to respond can also be significantly reduced while ensuring the safety of the helicopter and third parties.

In automated vehicles, the driver is informed about the rescue operation so that he can understand why his vehicle is braking.
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The demonstration was carried out by the DLR Institutes of Transportation Systems, Flight Guidance and Flight Systems as part of DLR's internal joint project Transport 5.0. They were supported by ADAC and the semiconductor manufacturer NXP.

With this, the Institutes are publishing a major project result showing the integration of near-ground air traffic with road traffic. This is then to be extended to other transport modes such as rail and road.

Further Information:

This project is managed by the department:

Research Cooperative Systems

The department is pioneering new autonomous mobility solutions by researching, designing, and demonstrating connection, automation, cooperation, and coordination for vehicles, system networks, and us humans.

Contact

Dr. Tobias Hesse

Head of Department
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Transportation Systems
Research Cooperative Systems
Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489 Berlin