In today’s fast-moving world, the aerospace industry has been growing and developing at an exponential rate to meet consumer demands. Recently, growth in the economy of the world’s developing countries means the need for air travel, and competition between flight aircraft is at an all-time high. By the year 2028, estimations predict that approximately 38,000 aircraft will be in service, a vast increase from the 26,000 running today (Wyman, 2019). Following this growth rate, digitalisation is increasing the reliability and efficiency of aerospace systems across the world.
Artificial Intelligence
Within the maintenance department of the aerospace industry, data is continually being monitored and analysed by artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. Airlines in Asia have silently begun implementing AI tools for simulation and data modelling of aircraft (Woodrow, 2019). The studying of the information collected is used to decide precisely when an aircraft’s parts should be replaced or repaired. This technique of servicing jets and planes was invented some time ago, but is only recently being entirely made use of. This adaptation has been to ensure that a specific part’s lifespan and functions are fully utilised. Thus, aerospace systems are continuously kept in optimum condition.
Virtual Reality
In recent years, virtual reality alongside big data has been pushing the boundaries of predictive maintenance. Since the year 2016, the aerospace company Airbus has been making use of this technology inside its Hangar of Future initiative in Singapore (Price, 2018). Virtual and augmented realities are disrupting traditional techniques of aerospace maintenance by allowing engineers to see maintenance activities from new and unexplored angles. From this new data also come advanced simulations that can allow defence personnel and pilots to test new aircraft equipment before physically handling them.
Cyber Security
One of the downfalls of rapid digitalisation is, of course, the risk of data security and breach of privacy. This uncertainty applies to the aerospace sector especially, where the increasing connectivity of systems is also putting aircraft at risk of hacking and attack from cybercriminals. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have been discovered to be 80% more likely to be victims of cyber theft as a result of their lack of awareness of the issue (Mordor Intelligence, 2019). Leading suppliers, however, can offer their cybersecurity services to their clients and build a safe environment of trust. They can help a business to avoid and recover quickly from cyber-attacks.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of digital technologies being utilised within the aerospace sector. These new and rising innovations are disrupting traditional methods of maintenance, operations and repair by providing experts with more intel about vital parts and the mechanical needs of aircraft. However, much of the massive data that these technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are producing still need a value to be successfully generated from them. Only then can the digitalisation of aerospace fully flourish and continue to grow.
Manisha Bhanot.
References
Mordor Intelligence (2019) Asia Pacific Cyber Security Market. [online]. Available at: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/asia-pacific-cyber-security-market
Price, Matthew (2018) Current and Emerging Trends in the Aerospace Sector. London: Atkins.
Woodrow, Bellamy (2019) Airlines are Increasingly Connecting Artificial Intelligence. [online]. Available at: http://interactive.aviationtoday.com/avionicsmagazine/june-2019/airlines-are-increasingly-connecting-artificial-intelligence-to-their-mro-strategies/
Wyman, Oliver (2019) Transport and Logistics. [online]. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverwyman/2018/09/04/how-customer-demands-and-digitalization-will-transform-aerospace-over-the-decade/#4e92524c2fdb
