Boeing and Shield AI, a leader in artificial intelligence, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of an AI pilot for large aircraft. The agreement, signed at the Air Force Association Warfare Symposium, will be managed by Boeing Phantom Works.
According to Shield AI, their AI pilot, called Hivemind, has flown a variety of aircraft and can enable swarms of drones and aircraft to operate autonomously without GPS, communications, or a human pilot in the cockpit. Brandon Tseng, president and co-founder of Shield AI, and a former Navy SEAL, said that integrating Boeing aircraft with their AI pilot would redefine what large aircraft, crewed or uncrewed, could do.
Steve Nordlund, vice president, and general manager for Boeing’s Air Dominance organization, said that Boeing has been leveraging talent from across the enterprise to make great strides in autonomous capabilities and programs in recent years. Nordlund added that collaborating with Shield AI would accelerate their ability to deliver these capabilities to the warfighter.
The MoU between the two companies aims to co-develop, productize, and bring to market the world’s best AI pilot for large aircraft. Both companies are excited about the partnership and expanding their scope of work to develop autonomous capabilities and artificial intelligence for current and future defense programs.
AI pilots are the most strategic deterrent technology since the introduction of stealth aircraft and have proven successful in flying air-combat scenarios. Integrating AI pilots with large aircraft could revolutionize the way aircraft operate, making them more efficient, safer, and cost-effective.
The partnership between Boeing and Shield AI is expected to result in significant advancements in the field of autonomous capabilities and AI for large aircraft. The collaboration could also lead to the development of new technologies that can be used in civilian applications such as commercial aviation, logistics, and transportation.
The use of AI in aviation has been increasing in recent years, with many airlines and aircraft manufacturers investing in the development of autonomous capabilities. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has estimated that the use of AI and robotics could save the aviation industry over $15 billion annually by 2035.
Boeing has been actively investing in autonomous capabilities and has developed several autonomous systems for its defense programs. The company’s MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft is one of its most notable autonomous systems. The MQ-25 can refuel fighter jets in mid-air and is expected to be deployed by the US Navy in the near future.
Shield AI has also been making significant strides in the field of autonomous capabilities and AI. The company’s Hivemind AI pilot has been tested extensively and has proven successful in flying air-combat scenarios. Shield AI has also raised significant funding from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, to further develop its autonomous capabilities and AI technology.
The collaboration between Boeing and Shield AI is a significant step forward for the development of autonomous capabilities and AI for large aircraft. The partnership is expected to result in significant advancements in the field and could potentially revolutionize the way aircraft operate.
