Green Urban Transformation: “Digital Twins” and the eVTOL System

The infrastructure digital twins by Bentley Systems have played a significant role in transforming the infrastructure of several European cities to be more sustainable. These digital twins are virtual representations of various city assets including roads, power grids, water and sewage systems, buildings, and entire cities. By integrating real-time data with digital models, these infrastructure digital twins offer a comprehensive representation of the city’s assets and systems to city leaders and other users. As a result, this initiative has facilitated the modernization of London’s Victorian sewage system, Helsinki’s heating system, Kozani’s water and sewage system, and Liège’s water tower in Belgium.

In California, companies are working on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which are similar to modern drones but designed to carry passengers. This mode of commuting is intended to provide a faster, quieter, and more efficient alternative to ground transportation by operating in the sky. One of the leading manufacturers of eVTOL aircraft, San Jose-based Archer Aviation, has entered a contract with Southwest Airlines to create a plan for an air taxi service at California airports. The Archer Midnight, a four-passenger electric plane, aims to reduce airport commutes lasting 60 to 90 minutes to flights lasting 10 to 20 minutes. Additionally, the company plans to establish a network of air taxi stops connecting with 14 California airports served by Southwest Airlines.