ATLAS Lab Recognized by FDOT For Advanced Air Mobility Research
State Agency’s Business Plan Cited Florida Tech in Development of Aerial Highway Network
Florida Tech’s ATLAS Lab, a leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research, was recognized by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in its new Advanced Air Mobility Business Plan for its pivotal role in shaping the future of AAM in the state. FDOT featured Florida Tech as one of nine universities contributing to Florida’s growing “Aerial Highway Network.”
The plan describes FDOT’s initiative to invest in a new way to connect Florida’s cities—the AAM aerial network will offer faster and more flexible travel between key metropolitan areas. Sky-high freeways will have dedicated travel lanes and strategically placed aerial on- and off-ramps to increase business and leisure travel options.
The ATLAS Lab is cited as an institution that will help the state build a safer, more efficient and more sustainable air transportation network. It’s run by professor of aviation human factors Meredith Carroll, whose research focuses on autonomy, human-automation interaction, pilot interface design and AAM training research.
FDOT’s plan also includes an expansion of its SunTrax campus—a facility dedicated to vehicle testing and research in Auburndale—to serve as Florida’s Headquarters for AAM to test and refine air and ground transportation technologies. Earlier this month, dean of the College of Aeronautics John Deaton (left) and associate dean Rian Mehta (right) had a chance to tour the growing facility.
“AAM is such an exciting and developing new field of aviation, and the College of Aeronautics is looking to play a leading role in its development as an industry within aviation,” Mehta said. “Being recognized by the Florida Department of Transportation, in their AAM Business Plan, is a wonderful testament to the great research work we are doing as a college.”
Florida Tech’s aeronautics program integrates expertise in human factors, autonomy, data science, infrastructure planning and electric aircraft systems, positioning the university as a comprehensive AAM research and training partner. It combines engineering, operations and human-systems perspectives to address safety, performance, and societal acceptance challenges in next-generation air mobility.
