Abstract: Extended Reality (XR) Technologies enable the creation of immersive and interactive environments in which it is possible to safely test products and operational contexts at an early design stage. Such capability makes XR simulations extremely significant for the actual development of innovative modes of transport Urban Air Mobility (UAM). In fact, the implementation of transport of goods and passengers with autonomous and electrical vehicles in urban areas is still in its starting phase and, to efficiently progress, it requires testing, collaboration and visualization between different stakeholders with different needs and backgrounds. Moreover, XR can efficiently support the prediction of the social impact of UAM solutions. Since each UAM mission scenario involves visualizing one or more specific aircraft in a specific environment, there is a need to create a diverse library of 3D scenarios that are ready for simulation and can be tailored as required. These scenarios are based on 3D models of environments and aircraft that must meet complex functional and user requirements. This paper reports on a list of requirements for UAM 3D aircraft models for XR simulations, as well as the process for generating 3D UAM aircraft models to populate a database tailored for UAM XR-based simulations. The proposed four-phase process named identification, screening, tailoring and inclusion, is designed to simplify the modelling workflow, facilitating rapid model reuse and integration in XR environments.

Keywords: Advanced Air Mobility | Urban Air Mobility | XR Extended Reality

Abstract: In Human-Centred design methodologies the human figure is the key element for the deployment of transversal effective solutions able to meet real world demands. Extended Reality Technologies aid in conveying such design solutions in a immersive and intuitive way. This paper presents an overview of using Extended Reality Technologies in the aerospace field, emphasizing the contributions given from the Virtual Reality and Simulation Laboratory (VLAB), at the University of Bologna. Moreover, it discusses the potential of incorporating immersive media and Human-Centred Design approach for the deployment of groundbreaking transport solutions such as Advanced Air Mobility and Urban Air Mobility.

Keywords: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) | Extended Reality (XR) Technologies | Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

Abstract: Recently, most research efforts and resourced in Aeronautics are devoted to the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies. This term refers to all air mobility services based on autonomy and electrification of air systems and their infrastructure and when conducted in urban contexts is known as Urban Air Mobility (UAM). However, the integration of these systems and what is their environmental, social and economic impact is still unknown and such ignorance may decelerate its effective implementation and thus enjoyment of the benefits. In this context, visualization and interaction technologies such as Extended Reality Technologies (XR) can be leveraged as enabling technologies aiding in the deployment of AAM and UAM. In this paper, we present an overview of methodologies for designing human-machine interfaces in aeronautics and the results of a study of tools and methods for prototyping virtual urban environments for XR-UAM applications.

Keywords: Human Machine Interfaces | UAM - Urban Air Mobility | XR – Extended Reality

Abstract: Uban Air Mobility is a new concept of air transportation system that include platforms with different specifications, mainly vertical take-off and landing vehicles, aiming to transport goods and people within urban settings by alternatively managing traffic in congested ground mobility. To ensure the operability of Urban air Mobility, some challenges and objectives in terms of public acceptance and effective design of operational scenarios still need to be achieved before its full integration and deployment. Extended Reality technologies can contribute to the successful realization of these goals as they offer immersive human-machine interfaces that can improve the implementation of such innovative transportation systems. This paper explores Extended Reality-based scenarios and their potential applications for Urban Air Mobility within the framework of the Reality Virtuality Continuum and end user of Urban Air Mobility are elicited. The most promising applications of the proposed approach are discussed, focusing on the main feature that can be enhanced though the adoption of Extended Reality-based technologies.

Keywords: Sustainable Mobility | U-space services | UAM | UTM | XR

Abstract: With technological innovation and advancements, especially in autonomy, battery and digitization, the future of air transport and mobility is transiting towards a broader spectrum of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM). UAM envisions safer, faster, and more sustainable air mobility for smarter cities and urban environments including passenger transport and goods delivery. Nevertheless, this concept is still considered extremely breakthrough and several technological and operational aspects are mostly undefined. In this context, a comprehensive approach to AAM/UAM may be to adapt cutting-edge technologies in developing sustainable framework and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in order to realize the challenges, benefits, and conditions of such transport system in advance for future safer, more reliable and globally approved operations. One of the technologies that can contribute to accelerate advancements through human centred simulating UAM processes and operations is XR (eXtended Reality). This paper presents the early steps of a multidisciplinary study performed under the framework of PNRR (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza) and MOST (Centro Nazionale Mobilità Sostenibile) project in analyzing the perspectives of XR based HMIs for UAM paradigm and potential AAM/UAM use case scenarios that can be simulated with XR in view of attaining efficient and effective future solutions. Furthermore, the work introduces the state-of-the-art overview on XR facilitated UAM applications and considers prospective potential use cases that can be developed through PNRR research study in demonstrating XR as an enabling technology in promising areas of the UAM framework.

Keywords: Advanced Air Mobility | Extended Reality | Human Machine Interfaces | Immersive Technologies | U-Space | Unmanned Aerial Systems | Urban Air Mobility