(Reuters) – Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors have announced an expansion of their collaboration to advance AI-driven technology for aviation and autonomous flight. The partnership, unveiled on Wednesday, will see the integration of Honeywell’s Anthem avionics – a cloud-connected cockpit system – with chipmaker NXP’s computing architecture to enhance flight planning and management capabilities.
By leveraging NXP’s autonomy architecture, originally designed for the automotive sector, with Honeywell’s Anthem platform, the companies aim to elevate autonomous flying technology to new heights. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, however, the partnership marks a significant step forward from their previous joint efforts, which centered around enhancing Honeywell’s building management systems.
The growing interest in autonomous aviation has spurred innovations in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with companies like Vertical Aerospace at the forefront of revolutionizing urban air travel. Vertical Aerospace is set to utilize the Anthem system to conduct testing on its VX4 aircraft, showcasing the practical applications of this cutting-edge technology.
The collaboration between Honeywell and NXP signifies a strategic alignment aimed at pushing the boundaries of aviation technology and redefining the future of flight. With an emphasis on AI-driven solutions, the partnership seeks to unlock new possibilities in aviation, setting the stage for transformative advancements in the industry.
(Reporting by Utkarsh Shetti in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
