Mobility Hubs: Combine the expertise of both 'ground' and 'air' stakeholders

Establishing foundational Digital Infrastructure for Air Mobility

ADW (Amsterdam Drone Week) continues to push the boundaries of air mobility, and one of the most promising initiatives emerging this year is the Mobility Hubs Working Group. Roel Brandt, Manager Mobility Consultancy at Antea Group, provided a glimpse into the transformative vision behind this working group, shedding light on the role of mobility hubs in integrating drone operations into existing transport systems.

"Drones represent an entirely new layer of mobility," Brandt states. "We already have roads, railways, waterways and bike paths, and drones will add a third dimension to these infrastructures, presenting a unique opportunity to rethink how we transport goods and people in urban environments." According to Brandt, mobility hubs are at the heart of this vision. They are intended to serve as key points where different modes of transport intersect, including drones, and allow for the seamless exchange of passengers and goods.

Brandt draws parallels between drone mobility and other traditional transport systems, such as bus stops and rail stations. "Think of mobility hubs like drone bus stops," he explains. "We need to start small, focusing on specific applications, such as medical drone deliveries, to understand their impact and develop the necessary regulatory framework. Just like train stations emerged over time from small platforms, mobility hubs will grow as drone technology evolves."

The Role of Antea Group

1. Antea Group, as Brandt describes, plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of integrating this new mobility form into existing urban infrastructures and public space. "Our focus is not on building drones or managing their connectivity," Brandt clarifies. "We concentrate on the integration into the physical living environment and ensuring the drone systems fit within the broader urban mobility landscape. This means tackling questions such as where drones can take off and land safely, and how to minimize their impact on the surrounding environment."
   
   Brandt highlights how the Mobility Hubs Working Group is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration between different sectors, which he considers essential for overcoming the complexities of urban air mobility. "We need to combine the expertise of both 'ground' and 'air' stakeholders," he asserts. "A successful implementation of drone hubs depends on having people experienced in both aviation and urban infrastructure come together to solve challenges like flight safety, noise reduction, and effective land use."

The Small Steps Approach

The Mobility Hubs Working Group adopts what Brandt refers to as a "small steps" approach. He stresses the importance of not getting carried away with grand visions of large, futuristic hubs but instead focusing on incremental progress. "We shouldn't start by trying to build giant drone ports," he says. "Instead, we begin with 'drone-in-a-box' solutions—small hubs that can support pilot projects for medical deliveries or environmental monitoring. This way, we can gain public acceptance and regulatory approval through demonstrated success at a manageable scale."

Brandt points to practical examples such as the use of medical drones to transport blood samples between hospitals. He describes these smaller-scale initiatives as crucial "test beds" that help refine both technology and regulations. "We need to show how these systems work, prove their safety and usefulness, and gradually build from there," he explains.

Navigating Challenges: Regulation and Public Perception

A significant challenge that Brandt acknowledges is the complexity of regulations and public perception. While technological advancements have been rapid, the regulations governing drones have not caught up at the same pace. "There are still significant questions about how to effectively integrate drone operations into regulated airspace," he says. "It’s not just about technology; it’s about understanding what people are comfortable with and ensuring we respect environmental considerations."

He also stresses the importance of engaging with local communities and addressing concerns proactively. "We've seen that people may initially react with scepticism towards drones, especially when it comes to noise or privacy," Brandt notes. "That's why it's crucial to involve communities in the projects; from the consultation phase to the testing and development of hubs, that will help to refine the concept in a way that is locally acceptable and functionally effective. When people understand the benefits, such as quicker medical deliveries or less congestion, they tend to become more cooperative."

Future Vision: Integration into Broader Mobility Systems

Looking ahead, the Mobility Hubs Working Group aims to ensure that drone operations do not remain an isolated novelty but are instead integrated seamlessly into broader mobility systems. "Mobility hubs aren't just about drones," Brandt says. "They will also connect ground transportation modes like bicycles, cars, and public transit, creating a unified mobility network."

The ultimate goal, according to Brandt, is to create infrastructure that anticipates future needs. "We need to think long-term," he emphasizes. "Even if widespread drone adoption seems distant, the mobility hubs we build today should be ready to accommodate them. It’s about preparing for a future where air mobility is as commonplace as road traffic."

Building Momentum Towards ADW 2026

ADW 2026 will be a critical platform for showcasing the progress made by the Mobility Hubs Working Group. Brandt envisions that by then, practical demonstrations of these small mobility hubs will help illustrate the potential of drones as an integrated part of urban mobility. "We hope to inspire cities and stakeholders worldwide to start small, learn, and grow," Brandt concludes. "The work we are doing today lays the foundation for a connected, multimodal future."

The Mobility Hubs Working Group represents an important step forward for urban air mobility, focusing on the practical aspects of integrating drones into existing infrastructure while ensuring safety, community acceptance, and environmental compatibility. By taking small, deliberate steps, this initiative is setting the stage for drones to become a vital part of how cities manage mobility in the coming decades.