WEST LAYFAYETTE, Ind. - Windracers, a leader in autonomous air transport, has partnered with Purdue University to establish the world’s first research center dedicated to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation. The Center on AI for Digital, Autonomous and Augmented Aviation (AIDA3) was unveiled today, signifying a major step forward in the development and application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies, Miriam McNabb writes for DroneLife. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
22 April 2024 - Purdue says that by 2027, nearly 1 million commercial uncrewed aircraft systems are expected to be flying throughout the United States, doing more than delivering packages. These drones will provide key supplies for emergency services, defense, humanitarian aid and health care — even assisting in fighting wildfires.
Purdue is launching a pioneering center to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) to make these transportation systems safe, efficient and scalable. The Center on AI for Digital, Autonomous and Augmented Aviation (AIDA3) will deliver innovations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other autonomous systems, focusing on developments that can be scaled up as demand for the technology grows.
“Purdue is very proud to partner with Windracers, because AIDA3 is focused on solving pressing societal needs,” said Karen Plaut, Purdue’s executive vice president for research. “What we develop in the laboratory will be designed to make a difference when put into real-world practice. Purdue’s research strengths and success in aviation and AI — linked with Windracers’ expertise in transportation of the future — makes for a powerful innovation engine.”
According to center director Sabine Brunswicker, AIDA3 is the first major output of Purdue’s Institute for Physical Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), whose purpose is to develop AI at the intersection of the virtual and physical worlds. “With IPAI, we focus on practical innovations that bring together the ‘bytes of AI’ and the ‘atoms of what we grow, make and move,’ and AIDA3 will make this reality in the realm of aviation transportation. We are thrilled to be undertaking this journey with our partners at Windracers,” Brunswicker said.
Related: Technology trends in autonomous vehicles
Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
