How Technology and Materials Are Powering the Rise of Autonomous Flying Vehicles

The vision of city skies filled with autonomous flying vehicles is no longer science fiction. Driven by innovation in aerospace, material science, and battery technology, the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector is gaining altitude—fast.

Despite global economic disruptions, the UAM industry has proven remarkably resilient. As urban congestion increases, the case for airborne transport becomes more compelling, especially with projections showing that 67% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050 (Roland Berger).

Meanwhile, the airspace above our cities remains vastly underutilized—a perfect opportunity for the rise of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), and air taxis.

UAM: A Market on the Move

According to forecasts by Roland Berger, the Urban Air Mobility market could be worth $90 billion by 2050, with over 160,000 drones expected to be operational in global skies. One of the most visible demonstrations of this growth is the Air-One project in Coventry, UK, where Hyundai and Urban Air Port have partnered to develop the world’s first fully operational hub for eVTOL aircraft.

Progress has been swift, with operational trials already underway. The momentum is real—and unstoppable.

The Technology Behind Autonomous Flying Vehicles

1. High-Efficiency Battery Systems

Autonomous flying vehicles differ from traditional aircraft in one critical aspect: their need for ultra-efficient battery systems. These batteries must be:

• Lightweight to minimize energy consumption and extend flight range
• Power-dense to deliver adequate power for takeoff, navigation, and landing
• Thermally efficient to maintain safety and functionality under stress
• Sealed and durable to prevent fluid ingress and corrosion

2. Advanced Adhesive and Thermal Management Materials

Battery reliability is a non-negotiable requirement—and this is where structural adhesives and thermal management solutions play a critical role.

To ensure structural integrity and heat regulation in battery modules, manufacturers must use flexible, high-performance adhesives that can:

• Bond battery cells securely
• Manage internal temperatures
• Withstand vibration and movement
• Resist environmental degradation

By collaborating with specialized suppliers, such as those in the e-mobility space, aerospace companies can scale up battery production while maintaining quality and consistency.

Setting the Standard: Regulation and Safety

At present, the UAM market is in its early stages—regulations are still being developed. However, as the industry matures over the next five to six years, regulations will become the backbone of safety, consumer trust, and operational standards.

NASA reports that consumer confidence in UAM is most influenced by safety demonstrations and proven records. For that reason, future regulation will likely cover:

• The vehicle itself—airworthiness, automation level, cybersecurity
• The materials used—fire resistance, structural reliability, environmental compliance

Manufacturers that want to succeed long-term must align with material suppliers who already meet or exceed the rigorous demands of other highly regulated industries (e.g., automotive, aviation, defense).

Sustainability: A Rising Priority in Aerospace Supply Chains

As with all modern industrial sectors, UAM must prioritize sustainability from development to deployment. That means reducing emissions, conserving energy, and ensuring materials are responsibly sourced.

By partnering with environmentally conscious suppliers like Henkel, which incorporate circular economy principles and carbon-reducing technologies, manufacturers can build not just faster—but smarter and greener.

Conclusion: The Sky Is Open for Innovation

From battery innovation to adhesive technologies, and from safety standards to sustainable materials, every element of the UAM ecosystem is evolving. 

The opportunity is now for aerospace manufacturers to collaborate with industry-leading suppliers that provide tested, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

With the right partners and technologies, the dream of autonomous flying vehicles is no longer distant—it’s taking off.