Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Aircraft

AutoFlight achieves ‘historic’ first eVTOL flight in Japan

by

AutoFlight, a developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, has marked a significant milestone with its first successful flight in Japan.

On November 29, the company’s two-ton eVTOL aircraft completed its inaugural demonstration flight in Okayama Prefecture.

The historic eVTOL flight was conducted in collaboration with MASC, a Japanese non-profit organization dedicated to aerospace industry advancement.

[Read more…] about AutoFlight achieves ‘historic’ first eVTOL flight in Japan

4 Automation Changes to Aircraft We Could See Soon

by

With automation at the forefront of all transportation services, it’s no surprise that many of the most significant changes in aircraft technology are in the world of automation.

While we aren’t likely to see AI pilots in the near future, there are many ways in which automation is being integrated to make flying faster, safer, and smoother.

Let’s examine a few of the ways in which automated changes are likely to impact aircraft in the near future. [Read more…] about 4 Automation Changes to Aircraft We Could See Soon

Honeywell and Odys Aviation partner to develop autonomous aircraft operations in Oman and Pacific

by

Honeywell and Odys Aviation, a developer of advanced hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the design of new Ground Control Stations to support the rollout of Odys Aviation’s hybrid VTOL aircraft in the Middle East and Pacific.

Under the terms of the MOU, Honeywell will provide a Ground Control Station for uncrewed aerial system (UAS) operations, supporting operations of Odys Aviation’s uncrewed air vehicle (UAV), Laila. Pilot programs using Laila and the new Ground Control Station are expected to kick off in 2025.

Laila is designed in multiple configurations to deliver cargo. With a 230-mile range it is an ideal aircraft to support pipeline inspections, leak detection, geological surveys, maritime operations and logistics services, including the delivery of time-critical goods. [Read more…] about Honeywell and Odys Aviation partner to develop autonomous aircraft operations in Oman and Pacific

AutoFlight delivers first electric air taxi to customer in Japan

by

AutoFlight has achieved what it describes as “a significant milestone” by officially delivering its first Prosperity aircraft to a customer in Japan, marking the world’s inaugural delivery of a civilian ton-class eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.

The five-seater Prosperity aircraft was handed over to the customer, a pioneering Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operator in Japan.

The operator, to be identified in due course, is currently developing plans for demonstration eVTOL flights at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, as well as a wider AAM rollout in Japan.

[Read more…] about AutoFlight delivers first electric air taxi to customer in Japan

Comau and Leonardo Helicopters design ‘advanced automated inspection’ system for aeronautical structures

by

The increasing push for faster processes, better control and higher quality in the aerospace industry necessitates a new generation of advanced automation designed to automate complex processes that until a short time ago could only be done manually.

When it comes to testing critical structures such as helicopter blades, for example, the potential benefits of automation increase exponentially, as robotic inspection grants accuracy as well as efficiency.

They also ensure standardization of and full compliance with the testing process by objectively completing each assigned task. [Read more…] about Comau and Leonardo Helicopters design ‘advanced automated inspection’ system for aeronautical structures

Reliable Robotics continues momentum towards certification of its autonomous flight system

by

Reliable Robotics, a developer of autonomous aircraft automation systems, has announced further certification progress with FAA acceptance of requirements for Reliable’s advanced aircraft navigation and autopilot systems.

These systems provide continuous autopilot engagement throughout all phases of flight including automatic taxi, takeoff, and landing.

In an industry-leading first, Reliable Robotics and the FAA established agreement on the testing and analysis that will be performed to show that these highly automated systems satisfy FAA safety and performance requirements for operations throughout the conterminous United States and Alaska. [Read more…] about Reliable Robotics continues momentum towards certification of its autonomous flight system

Honeywell-led project to bring autonomous flight to Europe

by

Honeywell has launched “project OperA”, one of the two Honeywell-led projects to be awarded through the latest round of funding from the European Union’s SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. The work will take place at Honeywell’s international development center in Brno, Czech Republic.

Project OperA (Operate Anywhere) will develop and validate several solutions for the safe accommodation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles in flight.

The project will build solutions for complex operations of AAM-piloted air taxi and uncrewed cargo in real-life air traffic control conditions in Europe. [Read more…] about Honeywell-led project to bring autonomous flight to Europe

Skyports unveils plan to launch advanced air mobility in urban Japan

by

Skyports Infrastructure has revealed its involvement in the next phase of research for a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for advanced air mobility (AAM) for the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

The company will continue to work alongside its ConOps partners Kanematsu Corporation, Japan Airlines and Eve Air Mobility to define Japan’s framework for the development and implementation of advanced air mobility operations in Japan.

The ConOps is designed as a critical reference point for companies that are considering entering the Japanese AAM market. [Read more…] about Skyports unveils plan to launch advanced air mobility in urban Japan

Terrafame hires autonomous airships from Kelluu to help create digital twin of 60 sq km industrial production site

by

Terrafame, a battery chemicals producer for electric vehicles, has selected Finnish airship development company Kelluu to provide “accurate and geo-referenced terrain data” for the continuous monitoring of its 60 sq km industrial site in Finland.

The aerial monitoring has been done mainly using satellites or helicopters, battery-powered drones, or land-based surveys.

Kelluu develops long-distance, self-flying, and hydrogen-powered airship concepts mounted with several spectral cameras, sensors, and scanners that can gather real-time data on terrain, vegetation, and infrastructure. [Read more…] about Terrafame hires autonomous airships from Kelluu to help create digital twin of 60 sq km industrial production site

Drones and the Future of Travel: What’s Next for Airline easyJet?

by

easyJet has always been at the forefront of innovation in the airline industry, not only for their consumer offerings but also in terms of aircraft maintenance and operations.

All the way back in 2015, when drones were far less readily available, easyJet pioneered the use of the Remote Intelligent Survey Equipment for Radiation or RISER drone quadcopter to complete inspections on Airbus A320 units.

It was used with a T-Series tracking system that assessed the location of the aircraft relative to its own position in 3D, allowing it to maintain a safe distance while inspecting the plane for signs of lightning strikes and other issues. [Read more…] about Drones and the Future of Travel: What’s Next for Airline easyJet?