Development of Benefit-Effect Assessment Method for Improving Social Acceptance of Urban Air Mobility

In recent years, urban air mobility (UAM) technologies have been studied worldwide. However, social acceptance of UAMs and drones remains underexplored. Without adequate research, the anticipated “aerial industrial revolution” from drone use and flying vehicles may face social issues. To address this, the authors’ group proposed a social acceptance evaluation method combining subjective questionnaires with objective stress evaluations using a Kansei Analyzer based on a simple electroencephalograph and confirmed the effectiveness of this method. Related studies have assessed subjective stress from drone noise, but stress varies by the applications of the UAMs and stakeholders. It is critical to assess the stress people perceive from noise for each application and each stakeholder. This study evaluates sensitivity indices, including stress, for UAM uses, focusing on people uninvolved with UAMs, who face the greatest disadvantages. We conduct statistical tests for changes in cognitive sensitivities and physiological stress that is affected by the instruction in benefits of the UAM applications, focusing on residents uninvolved with UAMs, who face the greatest disadvantages. The study concludes with a summary of the benefit-effect assessment results.