Investigating the Potential of Recycled Aluminum with Origami Technology for the Modern Drone Ports

Purpose and goal:

iPOD is a project in the advanced air mobility sector using Stilfold technology to create Vertiport structures. Kookiejars vertiports is the end user. Origami Technology will be applied as a production methodology to create sustainable modular drone vertiports from recycled aluminum with a life cycle design perspective in a mobile production unit. "A Dual Purpose Mindset". The project start in November 2024 and last for 18 months. The budget is SEK 3,000,000, with 50% public funding.

Expected results and effects:

Technology development and process optimization to ensure repeatability and high yield rates with different recycled metallics materials. Map the process limitations and solve the issues regarding manufacturing and assembling parts with complex features that will involve a more intricate assembly process. Establish design rules for products made with recycled metallic materials. Provide a cost analysis comparing Stilfold technology to traditional manufacturing methods with the used metals.

Approach and implementation:

All partners have many years of experience in their field and ensure the value and competence chains are optimally covered to meet the project´s goals by introducing a cost-effective and adequate material and process solution in the application area. The project is carried out in clear work packages with descriptive performance targets. These WPs consist of hands-on trials, prototyping, optimization, assembling, cost analyses/models, and finally a fully functional demonstrator.