At XPONENTIAL 2026 this week, leaders from University of Michigan outlined an ambitious vision for the future of drones and advanced air mobility (AAM): one where Michigan becomes a central hub for the emerging low altitude economy by combining aerospace innovation with Detroit’s industrial manufacturing strength. DRONELIFE had the opportunity for a meaningful discussion with … [Read more...] about Michigan’s Bet on the Low Altitude Economy: How M Air Connects Aerospace Innovation and Detroit Manufacturing
AAM
SkyDrive Signs First Japanese Helicopter Operator for SD-05 eVTOL
Tohoku Air Service, owned by Tohoku Electric Power, signs a letter of intent for one SKYDRIVE SD-05 with delivery targeted for 2028. SkyDrive has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Tohoku Air Service (TAS) for the purchase of one SKYDRIVE SD-05 eVTOL. The Toyota-based manufacturer announced the deal on May 13, 2026. SkyDrive aims to deliver the aircraft in 2028. The … [Read more...] about SkyDrive Signs First Japanese Helicopter Operator for SD-05 eVTOL
SkyDrive, Osaka Metro Launch Japan’s First eVTOL Vertiport Consortium
The Toyota-based eVTOL maker joins Osaka Metro, Marubeni, Soracle, and local governments to commercialize the Osakako Vertiport on Osaka Bay. SkyDrive has launched Japan's first consortium for the commercial operation and joint usage of an eVTOL vertiport. The Toyota-based company announced the partnership on May 8, 2026. The group will commercialize Osakako Vertiport, a … [Read more...] about SkyDrive, Osaka Metro Launch Japan’s First eVTOL Vertiport Consortium
Detroit Trucking Hub Adds Birdstop Drone Monitoring with TSPS
Birdstop's Fealty drone system delivers real-time truck parking visibility at the U.S.-Canada border in partnership with Detroit-based TSPS. Birdstop has begun drone monitoring of trucking sites across Detroit using its new flagship Fealty system. The Michigan-headquartered company announced the launch on May 6, 2026, in partnership with TSPS, Inc. The U.S. trucking industry … [Read more...] about Detroit Trucking Hub Adds Birdstop Drone Monitoring with TSPS
NASA Picks Pierce Aerospace for Bay Area Remote ID Sensor Network
Pierce Aerospace to Build Remote ID Network for NASA Across Silicon Valley and Bay Area Metis Technology Solutions taps the Indiana firm to deploy YR1 and YR2S sensors supporting NASA's drone and air taxi research at Ames. Pierce Aerospace will build a Remote ID network for NASA across Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Metis Technology Solutions selected the … [Read more...] about NASA Picks Pierce Aerospace for Bay Area Remote ID Sensor Network
