Boeing announced on Tuesday that the company will collaborate with AI technology leader SparkCognition to deliver unmanned aircraft traffic management systems. Artificial intelligence and blockchain technology will be used to track unmanned aerial vehicle in flight and on the ground while allocating appropriate corridors for traffic routing to ensure safe, effective transportation. The program will also aim to provide a standardized development interface for package delivery, industrial inspections, and other commercial applications. Boeing HorizonX Ventures previously invested in SparkCognition for support developing an analytics platform for the reliability of data technology.
Founder and CEO of SparkCognition Amir Husain said, “Estimated by some analysts at $3 trillion, the urban aerial mobility opportunity will lead to the creation of the largest new market in our lifetimes. The world’s number one aviation leader partnering with the world’s most innovative industrial AI company means that unparalleled experience in safety, innovation, scale, and reliability will be brought to bear to address this monumental opportunity.”
To advance this and other projects, Boeing is launching the new Boeing NeXt organization that will continue research and development activities on autonomous flight, advanced propulsion, and other transportation challenges. Boeing NeXt also houses research on a hypersonic passenger jet concept l and an all electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle for urban deliveries.
Boeing Chief Technology Officer Greg Hyslop said “We’re at a point in history where technological advances and societal trends are converging to demand bold solutions and a different way to travel. Boeing has the experience and expertise to safely and efficiently shape this emerging world of travel and transport. Through Boeing NeXt, we intend to build on our legacy of opening up new frontiers to move people and goods with proven technologies.”
In a video, Boeing outlines how hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems alongside advances in AI make flying cheaper and more efficient.
