AIDA launch brings AI into autonomous aviation

Southampton-based Windracers said AIDA³  (Centre on AI for Digital, Autonomous and Augmented Aviation) will deliver innovations aimed at realising the full transformational potential of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies. The partnership will also serve as an anchor for R&D and a platform into the US market for Windracers.

Windracers was originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities in Africa. Its focus on cost reduction has shaped everything from the design of the aircraft and its use of non-specialised parts to the development of its proprietary autopilot system and its approach to manufacturing.

Its ULTRA UAV – a twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft measuring 20 feet by 30 feet – is a multi-purpose ‘Jeep of the skies’ which offers high utilisation and is easy to maintain. The platform’s proprietary Masterless autopilot system allows ULTRA UAV to take off, fly and land safely without the need of a remote pilot. Windracer added that its capabilities span Detect, Drop and Deliver, with applications ranging from the delivery of parcels and humanitarian aid to defence. 

To date, the aircraft has completed tens of thousands of kilometres of autonomous flights for the Royal Navy, UK Ministry of Defence and British Antarctic Survey among others. 

With the launch of AIDA³, Windracers will collaborate closely with Purdue University – an engineering school with ties to the US military – to ensure self-flying aircraft can be operated efficiently and at scale.

AIDA³ will investigate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models for autonomous transportation applications ranging from demand analytics and maintenance in commercial logistics to meteorological sensing and real-time weather prediction. 

To support the R&D programming at AIDA³, Windracers will initially provide two of its ULTRA UAVs for regular real-world testing, based at Purdue University Airport.

In a statement, Stephen Wright, founder and executive chairman at Windracers, said: “This unique collaboration will be the anchor of our R&D and will serve as a platform for the US, a large and dynamic market which is embracing the potential of autonomous aviation.”

AIDA³’s approach is said to be what sets it apart. Existing AI/ML models are not sufficiently reliable to close the loop from data to actions in the real world that are safe, trustworthy and scalable, said Sabine Brunswicker, AIDA³ director and Purdue professor of digital innovation and communication. 

“Currently, it can take 10 people to operate one UAV. It is time for one operator to be able to coordinate 100 UAVs at the same time” she said. “Our mission is to go beyond current AI/ML models where the potential benefits of smarter UAVs can be fully realised globally. If AIDA is successful, its breakthroughs can truly transform society at scale.”