Boeing and artificial intelligence (AI) software developer SparkCognition recently announced they will launch a joint company called SkyGrid to advance urban aerial mobility.
The goal of SkyGrid is to develop a software platform that will allow for the integration of autonomous cargo and passenger air vehicles in the global airspace.
This will create the digital infrastructure needed for safe, seamless commercial and personal transport, Boeing said.
The platform will go beyond unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management and will allow customers to perform safely UAS emergency assistance, package delivery, industrial inspections, and other services.
The platform will use AI-enabled dynamic traffic routing, cybersecurity features, data analytics, and blockchain technology.
“SkyGrid merges expertise in AI, blockchain, security, and aviation to deliver breakthrough technological advancements for the rapidly-growing urban aerial mobility industry,” Amir Husain, SparkCognition founder and CEO and SkyGrid CEO, said. “By offering scalable and robust capabilities in a single, integrated framework, SkyGrid will make large-scale air vehicle applications more practical and accessible.”
SkyGrid will be based in Austin, Texas.
The joint venture was first announced in July. The urban aerial mobility sector is valued at $3 trillion, Boeing said at the time.
Boeing is supporting SkyGrid through its investment arm HorizonX Ventures.