Simulating the Integration of Urban Air Mobility into Existing Transportation Systems: A Survey
Xuan Jiang, Yuhan Tang, Junzhe Cao, Vishwanath Bulusu, Hao, Yang, Xin Peng, Yunhan Zheng, Jinhua Zhao, Raja Sengupta
TL;DR
The paper addresses how to evaluate the integration of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) into existing urban transport systems using simulation. It conducts a systematic literature review of 60 key studies from an initial 2,638, cataloging 17 simulators and mapping their capabilities to UAM research topics, including traffic interactions, safety, equity, and environmental impacts. It introduces a four-part framework linking simulator features to UAM questions and highlights gaps such as the need for comprehensive regional-scale tools and collaborative RD efforts. The work provides practical guidance on simulator selection and identifies priorities for developing dedicated regional UAM simulators to support policy and planning decisions.
Abstract
Urban air mobility (UAM) has the potential to revolutionize transportation in metropolitan areas, providing a new mode of transportation that could alleviate congestion and improve accessibility. However, the integration of UAM into existing transportation systems is a complex task that requires a thorough understanding of its impact on traffic flow and capacity. In this paper, we conduct a survey to investigate the current state of research on UAM in metropolitan-scale traffic using simulation techniques. We identify key challenges and opportunities for the integration of UAM into urban transportation systems, including impacts on existing traffic patterns and congestion; safety analysis and risk assessment; potential economic and environmental benefits; and the development of shared infrastructure and routes for UAM and ground-based transportation. We also discuss the potential benefits of UAM, such as reduced travel times and improved accessibility for underserved areas. Our survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on UAM in metropolitan-scale traffic using simulation and highlights key areas for future research and development.