Flight Computer for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy

The intended use of the funding is to enhance the single and dual channel computing platforms currently under development by Hover, Inc so they "can be used to offload computationally intensive tasks such as machine learning or be reconfigured to use with a computer vision system.” Hover, Inc’s technology is adaptable for NASA’s CAS/ SWIFT requirements to run Matlab/ Simulink auto-generated code and machine learning software applications and models. Also, Hover, Inc is developing the first FAA and EASA TSO approved artificial intelligence computing platforms capable of running high safety criticality and low safety criticality software applications in parallel whilst preventing them from interfering with each other. They are the only known computing platforms that will support a certifiable Run Time Assurance (RTA) architecture such as NASA’s Expandable Variable Autonomy Architecture (EVAA).

The artificial intelligence computing platforms will enable the development of machine learning based digital safety systems for passenger carrying aircraft and uncrewed aircraft. Also, if used for detect and avoid purposes they will enable crewed and uncrewed aircraft to interoperate with each other for the purpose of wildfire mitigation. Currently, to prevent a midair collision, crewed firefighting aircraft are grounded when uncrewed aircraft are being used. They will be capable of performing machine learning based route optimization to improve the efficiency of the air transportation system and machine learning based processing of data for detection of faults before they occur improving safety. Thales have selected a Hover, Inc computing platform for the European Detect and Avoid System (EUDAAS) and Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) 3 undertakings to develop a European detect and avoid solution. Other uses of the dual channel computing platform include a powertrain controller for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft and a flight computer/ auto-flight computer for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft (eVTOL). Also, Hover, Inc has engaged with a narrowbody/ widebody civil aircraft manufacturer that is interested in using the artificial intelligence computing platforms for a runway tracking automated takeoff and landing system.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.