Advanced air mobility for metropolitan package delivery: Economic, energy, climate and community noise impacts
By Bo Zou on 04/10/2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866
Join Bo Zou of the University of Illinois Chicago as he presents via Zoom at the Spring 2025 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, April 10, from 2-3 p.m. (CT).
The Spring 2025 semester is set to feature 14 presentations, each addressing a topic related to autonomy in transportation. See the full lineup of speakers for Spring 2025 semester.
Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom.
All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/89890781073?pwd=CewiD3535GNiWvliWpS6nqBksMqnAE.1
Meeting ID: 898 9078 1073
Passcode: 116680
Abstract and Bio
Advanced air mobility enables the use of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft for package delivery. This presentation examines the economic, energy and climate potential of an eVTOL-based, air-ground integrated system for metro-area deliveries. It proposes an operational planning framework to ensure eVTOL-based delivery is both economically efficient and community noise friendly. Implementation in the Chicago metro region demonstrates that eVTOL and ground vehicle choices, along with key system inputs, significantly influence feasibility. Results highlight strong cost-noise trade-offs and their implications for eVTOL operation planning.
Zou is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago. His research focuses on technological innovations in transportation systems. He serves as director of technology transfer and commercialization for the Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and as associate editor for the Journal of Air Transport Management and Transportation Letters. Zou earned a doctorate in transportation engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.