Artificial intelligence (AI) specialist Daedalean is teaming with Avidyne to develop a flight deck vision system for the general aviation, advanced air mobility, and special missions markets. Announcing the partnership at this week’s EAA AirVenture show, the companies said the AI-based PilotEye system will provide pilot “advisories” for the flight crew of existing fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, while being ready to support fully autonomous operations in new designs, including eVTOL models.
According to Avidyne, the system will use cameras to scan for traffic and other airborne hazards, and also handle tasks such as identifying suitable places to land in the event of an emergency. Employing Daedalean’s AI software, it will use multiple, redundant guidance sources that could support autonomous operations. The system can incorporate other data sources and merge everything into a single intuitive display.
“Through this symbiotic partnership, we are combining the industry-leading artificial intelligence neural network software and certification methodology pioneered by Daedalean, with the proven design, manufacturing, and certification expertise here at Avidyne,” commented Avidyne president Dan Schwinn. “Leveraging advanced AI technologies, these solutions will initially include visual spectrum camera-based systems for visual positioning and traffic detection, hazard avoidance, and landing guidance, as well as providing data that pilots need for quicker and more accurate land-anywhere decision-making assistance in the event of an emergency.”
The two companies said they plan to announce pricing and availability for the PilotEye system later this year. They also expect to make other announcements about AI-based products in the next few months.
“Together, we will be bringing new products to market that improve the pilot’s situational awareness and enable safe and successful completion of any given mission being flown, whether its fixed-wing, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, eVTOL, or larger autonomous drones,” said Daedalean founder and CEO Luuk van Dijk.
Switzerland-based Daedalean already has partnerships to develop AI technology for autonomous flight and other avionics systems with Reliable Robotics and Honeywell. The latter made an undisclosed investment in Daedalean in November 2020.
