Boeing Announces NeXt Division, Collaboration With SparkCognition
At the recent Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing announced that it is launching a new division called “Boeing NeXt” and entering into a collaboration with SparkCognition, a developer of artificial intelligence (AI). The announcements relate to Boeing’s aim to deliver unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) solutions. NeXt will be focused on advancing UTM and next-generation travel, as well as evolving the transportation ecosystem.
Monumental Opportunity
Boeing participated in a $32 million initial funding round for SparkCognition last year; together the companies will use AI and blockchain technologies to track in-flight unmanned aircraft, or drones, and assign traffic corridors and routes promoting safe and secure transportation. The plan is to offer a standardized programming interface that supports the delivery of packages, industrial inspections, and other commercial applications for unmanned vehicles.
SparkCognition CEO and founder Amir Husain, says that some analysts value the “the urban aerial mobility opportunity” at $3 trillion, adding that this “monumental” opportunity “will lead to the creation of the largest new market in our lifetimes.” Working with Boeing will bring about “unparalleled experience in safety, innovation, scale, and reliability,” he says.
Urban Air Travel
Boeing NeXt will explore such areas as autonomous flight and advanced propulsion, as well as modeling smart cities and new market opportunities to solve future transportation problems. Besides efforts to shape “urban air travel in the future mobility ecosystem,” the NeXt portfolio will include a passenger-carrying hypersonic concept Boeing recently unveiled and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles aimed at providing on-demand cargo transport.
"We're at a point in history where technological advances and societal trends are converging to demand bold solutions and a different way to travel," said Greg Hyslop, Boeing CTO. Through NeXt, he says, “we intend to build on our legacy of opening up new frontiers to move people and goods with proven technologies."
You’ll find a variety of new and used Boeing aircraft for sale on Controller.com, including 727s, 737s, 757s, 777s, 747s, and Boeing Business Jet aircraft.
Source: Boeing
Questions? Comments? Visit the Controller Forums to ask questions, get answers, and share your thoughts.