Skyroads

Germany-based Skyroads (known as D3 Technologies prior to November 2021) is developing, testing, and implementing an automated airspace management and vehicle guidance system (AAVS) for managing airspace and guiding passenger and cargo drones through crowded urban regions, even in difficult conditions. The Skyroads system facilitates the safe and efficient expansion of urban air transport by establishing a viable path to automation.

The SKYBOT-CAM System is the first product iteration of its digital sky infrastructure. This system oversees the operation of advanced camera drones, enabling the delivery of cutting-edge, immersive broadcast imagery while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint of sporting events. Its upcoming projects will involve the deployment of surveillance and cargo drones designed for non-human transportation purposes.

Key customers and partnerships

Skyroads empowers fleet operators, ground infrastructure providers, vertiport managers, and aircraft manufacturers to conduct early-stage testing of their vehicles and infrastructure. Additionally, the company assists in the application procedures for test flights, simplifying the process, and facilitating approval from the relevant authorities. The company’s partners include Supernal , Flix, Hybrid-Airplane Technologies, FlyNow Aviation, Horyzn, Blueflite, Amazilia Aerospace, and Manta Aircraft from Italy.

Funding and financials

In December 2020 , the company raised EUR 2.9 million (~USD 3 million) in a Seed II funding round led by Vector Venture Capital GmbH. SEK Ventures GmbH (founders of Flixbus), EIT KIC Urban Mobility, S.L. (an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology), and Mutschler Ventures AG also participated in the round. The funds were slated to build the first pilot application to test its air traffic management solution.