Swedish technology firm STILFOLD is partnering air mobility developer Kookiejar. Through the STILFOLD collaboration, Kookiejar aims to create a scalable and environmentally-friendly production solution for its vertiports. The new vertiport foundation will be built by folding steel plates using STILFOLD’s origami-inspired manufacturing technology.

The tech, dubbed “industrial origami,” involves the use of robotic arms to fold flat sheet metal over curves to form strong and sustainable new structures, using minimal component parts.

“This partnership with Kookiejar is further proof that our manufacturing technology provides entirely new opportunities across virtually all types of manufacturing industries,” said Jonas Nyvang, CEO and co-founder at STILFOLD. “We see a range of exciting benefits for the aviation industry as a whole. Being able to take a leading position in future transportation through drones is another significant advantage we eagerly anticipate, and we can’t wait to start building with the Kookiejar team.”

“Kookiejar is establishing a network of transportation hubs for cost-effective and environmentally sustainable aerial deliveries and passenger services,” said Max Hoffman, head of strategic projects at Kookiejar. “Autonomous drone and VTOL take-off and landing platforms (vertiports) are a vital component in automating and facilitating drone deliveries and air taxi services on a large scale while ensuring safety and functionality.  “Together with STILFOLD, we can find even more efficient ways to achieve our goals, build our vertiports, whilst streamlining our production processes and reducing our environmental impact.”

Kookiejar aims to have its network in operation by 2024.

Kookiejar has secured pilot sites in Europe and the Middle East, and has established partnerships with Airqual Technologies, ADB Safegate, JetPak, Aerit, Oilchain and Flying Basket to enable its network operations and pilot projects.