Robots and the Future of Flight Training
Overview
The future is unfolding with the dawn of robotics in flight training. Statistics indicate that we are on the verge of a significant turn in aviation history, where robots will be instrumental in training pilots, hence drastically improving safety and efficiency. The significant points highlighted below include the role of flight simulators, how robotics will contribute to the training of pilots and inspectors, the demand for pilot training, and how robotics company 3Laws can use its path-breaking technology to further these objectives.
The Current Scenario
Flight simulator growth has accelerated in recent years. According to Technavio, the global commercial flight training simulator market is projected to grow by almost USD 1 Billion during 2020-2024, a CAGR of nearly 5%. Currently, these simulators use real-time systems to mimic aircraft responses but can lack the reactivity and adaptability of a live trainer.
Robotics in Training and Inspections
Robots are no strangers to aviation. Case in point: Boeing uses fully autonomous robots to build certain parts of the 777 fuselage. However, their role in training is just starting to take off. Automation tech and machine learning can make simulators more advanced and adaptive, offering a more realistic and dynamic training environment. For inspections, robots like AEROTOOLS UAV's Air-Rail Laboratory's drone can significantly expedite routine maintenance checks. In a controlled trial, the drone completed an airplane inspection in 2 hours, a task which otherwise took humans about 4 to 6 hours.
Demand for Pilot Training
Even with advancements in technology, there will be a continued demand for trained pilots. Boeing anticipates that by 2038, the world will need 804,000 new civil aviation pilots. Even though robots can't replace pilots, they can help meet this demand by streamlining and enriching the training process, offering benefits like the ability to repeat tricky maneuvers without risk and providing instant feedback.
Key Takeaways
• The global commercial flight training simulator market is projected to grow by almost USD 1 Billion during 2020-2024, a significant rise indicating the role of robots in flight training.
• Automation tech and machine learning can create a more dynamic, advanced, and effective flight training environment.
• Drones and other robotic systems can significantly speed up routine maintenance checks and inspections in aviation.
• With the anticipated demand of 804,000 new civil aviation pilots by 2038, the role of robotics in streamlining and enriching pilot training processes will be significant.
3Laws Robotics - Enhancing Safety and Reliability
Aligning with the future trends in robotics and aviation, 3Laws Robotics is a pioneer that is developing innovative software to enhance safety and reliability for robotics systems. At the heart of 3Laws' mission is addressing the challenge of certification, a significant pain point for robotics companies. 3Laws Supervisor, the software solution, is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology developed at Caltech, and claims to provide mathematically provable safety.
3Laws Supervisor aims to simplify the certification process and provide robust safety features. 3Laws technology has shown a wide array of use case adaptability, including warehouse automation to human-robot interaction and dynamic environments, such as aviation. The technology can also enhance operational efficiency by minimizing unnecessary e-stops or collisions, permitting the operation of robots near to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety.
With compatibility across robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2, 3Laws' software is adaptable and can work with various platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators.
With the evolving arena of aviation safety as more inclined towards the use of robotics, 3Laws stands as a next-generation safety solution. 3Laws proactive approach to safety aims to unlock the full potential of autonomous systems that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262, facilitating a safer and more efficient future for flight training.