KT unveils 'UAM Traffic Management System' for the first time... Safe flight with AI

On the 3rd, KT announced on the 5th that it unveiled its intelligent Urban Air Mobility (UAM) traffic management system for the first time at the '2023 Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Flight Demonstration Event' held in Goheung, Jeonnam, hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

This event was held to promote the Korean-style UAM demonstration project through flight demonstrations using domestically developed aircraft and Korea's first vertiport. KT set up an exhibition booth together with Incheon International Airport Corporation, Korean Air, Hyundai Motor Company, and Hyundai Construction, who are collaborating on the ‘K-UAM Grand Challenge Phase 1 Demonstration Project,’ introducing the KT UAM traffic management system and 5G aviation network technology.

A KT official explaining the KT UAM transportation system to visitors
[Photo by KT]

KT's UAM traffic management system, 'SkyEyes,' uses artificial intelligence (AI) traffic management technology to assist in the safe operation and efficient scheduling of UAM flights. Based on UAM traffic digital twin technology, it can predict flight demand and derive optimal flight schedules. Additionally, it features seamless communication to safely manage UAM aircraft flights and enables dynamic traffic management according to real-time changes in flight conditions.

Along with this, KT also introduced 'SkyLink,' a dedicated 5G aviation network technology for UAM. This technology incorporates three-dimensional coverage design technology to prevent coverage holes or interference at UAM flight altitudes, network slicing technology that guarantees transmission quality for major traffic, and specialized antenna technology that efficiently secures 5G aviation network coverage. Through this, stable 5G service can be provided even at UAM flight altitudes of 300 to 600 meters.

KT will participate in the traffic management sector of the ‘K-UAM Grand Challenge Phase 1 Demonstration Project’ scheduled for the first half of 2024. It plans to support stable UAM operations by utilizing its self-developed UAM traffic management system and 5G aviation network technology.

Kim Bong-gi, Head of the Convergence Research Institute at KT Convergence Technology Institute (Executive Director), said, "As a UAM traffic management operator, KT is developing various technologies such as UAM traffic digital twin and AI flight control technology to provide safe and reliable UAM traffic management services," adding, "We will also closely cooperate with the consortium to successfully carry out the K-UAM Grand Challenge demonstration project."