TOYOTA, Japan, September 24, 2024 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, and Braid Technologies, an innovator in AI-driven engineering solutions, collaborate on a project to enhance engineering design through advanced optimization techniques.
This collaboration brings together Braid’s expertise in modern AI and mathematical modeling techniques with SkyDrive’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of aeronautic engineering.
This innovative approach leverages the full potential of AI to generate thousands of design patterns and select the most suitable one, aiming to achieve results that surpass traditional design methods.
Together, we have finished initial collaboration to tackle complex design challenges, reflecting both companies’ dedication to innovation and excellence. We will continue to explore new approaches.
“We were pleased to work with SkyDrive on this important project,” said Ivo Timoteo, CEO of Braid. “Their willingness to embrace new methodologies aligns with our goal of advancing engineering practices and possibilities.”
“We have been working with Braid to find new ways to optimize the structure of SkyDrive’s next generation eVTOL. Rather than using generalized techniques like topology optimization, we were inspired by their advanced and creative technology that deals with a large number of parameters that impact the weight of the structure,” said Arnaud Coville, Chief Development Office of SkyDrive.
About Braid Technologies
Braid, a startup established in September 2020 in Shibuya, is using a mixture of physics, mathematics and AI techniques to automatically discover high performance advanced engineering designs. They partner with companies to push the boundaries of performance: handling multiphysics, multiple objectives, and large numbers of constraints. Braid is committed to building the technology that will enable humans to design and build the future with unprecedented levels of performance.
For more information, please visit https://braid.tech/
About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive was formally established in July 2018 after testing flying car concepts and prototypes from 2014 with the mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution.” Its vision is to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world. The company succeeded in the first crewed eVTOL flight test in Japan in 2019 and its eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau and Federal Aviation Administration certifications. SkyDrive has been selected as a company to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at the plant owned by official production partner Suzuki Motor Corporation. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. Tomohiro Fukuzawa is the CEO of the company.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/
Editor’s Note:
(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric vertical takeoff and landing. eVTOL aircraft are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. It is also called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
Contact:
Risa Oishi
Public Relations
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: info@skydrive.co.jp