Boeing Teams Up with Startup to Spawn Drone Logistics System

Boeing — the world’s largest aerospace company – is teaming up with AI-firm SparkCognition to launch SkyGrid – a new startup focusing on urban aerial mobility.

The Texas-based company will develop a software platform to ensure the safe, secure integration of autonomous cargo and passenger air vehicles in the global airspace.

According to a company statement:

“Using blockchain technology, AI-enabled dynamic traffic routing, data analytics and cybersecurity features, SkyGrid’s platform will go beyond unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management (UTM). The platform will enable SkyGrid customers to safely perform a broad range of missions and services using UAS, including package delivery, industrial inspections and emergency assistance.”

“The Boeing and SparkCognition partnership is unmatched in the industry today,” said Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt.

“SkyGrid is building the digital infrastructure that will make safe, seamless commercial and personal transport possible for billions of people around the world.”

“SkyGrid merges expertise in AI, blockchain, security and aviation to deliver breakthrough technological advancements for the rapidly-growing urban aerial mobility industry,” said Amir Husain, who will serve as CEO of SkyGrid in addition to his role as founder and CEO of SparkCognition.

“By offering scalable and robust capabilities in a single, integrated framework, SkyGrid will make large-scale air vehicle applications more practical and accessible.”

Earlier this year, Boeing made a $16 million investment in drone-logistics firm Matternet. “The Menlo Park startup has made notable progress pioneering drone deliveries in urban environments.”

Last year, Boeing injected a major investment into Near Earth Autonomy, a Pittsburgh-based company “focused on developing a portfolio of technologies that enable safe and reliable autonomous flight.”

The aerospace giant also donated $18 million to an MIT project to build a drone wind tunnel.  The replacement of the 79-year-old Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel with a new facility will be “the largest and most advanced academic wind tunnel in the United States,” says an MIT announcement.

Boeing also acquired Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation – a company with “a strong reputation for innovating autonomous systems technologies to enable advanced robotic aircraft for future aerospace applications and vehicles.”