Michigan is taking a major step in shaping the future of aerial mobility. Newlab, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), Ford’s Michigan Central, and Airspace Link, has launched the Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) Studio. The initiative is designed to accelerate startup innovation, moving beyond “innovation theater” toward practical, real-world outcomes in logistics, healthcare, and emergency services.
By connecting startups with infrastructure, funding, and industry partners, the AAM Studio provides a direct path from testing to commercialization. Michigan’s combination of manufacturing expertise, supply chain depth, and a dedicated Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) offers a unique proving ground for these technologies.
Real Pilots, Real Outcomes
The Studio’s first round of pilot projects, supported by a $6.25 million state-funded AAM Activation Fund, tackle urgent challenges:
- Shore-to-ship logistics: Skyports, working with Interlake Steamships, will test drone deliveries on the Great Lakes to optimize maritime operations and reduce emissions.
- Rural healthcare: Munson Healthcare, DroneUp, and blueflite® will test drone transport of medical samples across Northern Michigan, improving rural access to timely care.
- Energy efficiency: Lamarr.ai will use BVLOS drones to conduct rapid thermal imaging of residential buildings, identifying opportunities for energy savings.
- Middle-mile delivery: Aerialoop will pilot deliveries of automotive and micro-mobility parts in Detroit, validating repeatable, cost-saving supply chain loops.
- Medical supply transport: Henry Ford Health and Newlab will test drone-based blood transport between campuses.
- Charging infrastructure: BETA Technologies will install multimodal charging stations at Michigan airports, laying the groundwork for next-generation aircraft.
The AAIR Advantage
Central to these efforts is the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR), a three-mile aerial corridor in Detroit. Built through a public-private partnership with MDOT Aeronautics, AAIR provides open access to urban airspace, FAA BVLOS waiver support, and standardized technical systems. This ecosystem allows drone operators to test advanced concepts safely and at scale, while generating data that can advance federal BVLOS regulatory frameworks.
A Legacy of Mobility Leadership
Michigan’s automotive roots make it uniquely suited to lead in aerial mobility. Companies like blueflite®, founded by former auto engineers, illustrate how legacy industries can transition into the drone economy. With Newlab structuring partnerships and investing in AAM ventures, the state is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging field.
For rural communities, these projects hold the potential to transform healthcare access, logistics efficiency, and energy resilience. By aligning startups, industry, and state leadership, Michigan is not just testing drones—it’s building the future of mobility.
