This week in Aerospace & Defense: Knowledge engineering takes priority as players weigh in on flight deck and back-office automation

Global Aerospace Industry Trends: Digitalization using advanced technology contributes to advanced autonomous systems, electric aircraft with advanced safety standards.

Aviation Safety

• Aircraft manufacturers are using ultraviolet light to disinfect all surfaces in about three seconds after use. 
• Changing seating arrangements is helping them maintain social distancing, to reduce the effects of COVID-19. 
• Aerospace industry is focused on creating a safer environment for air travel passengers. 

Key Players: Boeing, Honeywell, Airbus  

Artificial Intelligence

• Companies are leveraging AI-enabled biometric solutions for facial recognition to reduce customer queuing times and automate processes. 
• AI-enabled cockpit software can help in improving flightpath, thereby optimizing fuel usage. 
• AI-based chatbots provide an enhanced customer experience while booking flights and engaging with customer services. 

Key Players: Intel, IBM, NVIDIA 

Virtual Reality

• Iberia’s recent “motion sickness-free” VR inflight entertainment solution is expanding VR in aviation for passengers and aerospace staff. 
• Virtual reality frameworks provide a realistic simulation experience for pilots. 
• Virtual reality also helps to create a relaxing visual environment for aerophobic passengers. 

Key Players: Google, Microsoft 

Internet of Things

• IoT devices help track the airplane velocity, plane angle, and external conditions more efficiently, giving the pilot a better idea. 
• IoT enables checking the health of engines and moving parts in real-time. 
• IoT-based devices are used to examine various activities, including fleet management, health monitoring, inventory management, and equipment maintenance. 

Key Players: AT&T, Elbit Systems 

Autonomous Systems

• Companies are developing autonomous flight solutions such as drones and other software technologies to solve the transport challenges in hazardous areas. 
• The speed and reliability of fully autonomous systems are equipped to handle urban skies filled with obstacles. 
• The development of fully autonomous aircraft enables engineers to focus on closed-loop simulations between the sensors, control software, and intelligent algorithms. 

Key Players: Boeing, Airbus 

Electric Aircraft

• Aircraft engines need to output more power while consuming less fuel, producing less noise, and releasing fewer emissions.
• To achieve this goal, the aerospace industry is exploring electric and hybrid propulsion systems 
• Firms are taking a more incremental approach by integrating their current equipment with newer components 

Key Players: Honeywell, Thales, Airbus 

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