Boeing is investing in a company developing technologies for autonomous aircraft.
The deal, between its Boeing HorizonX Ventures arm and Near Earth Autonomy, will also see the pair work together to explore opportunities in areas including urban mobility.
“This partnership will accelerate technology solutions that we feel will be key to unlocking emerging markets of autonomous flight,” explained Steve Nordlund, Boeing HorizonX vice president. “We are excited to begin this partnership with a company with such a depth of experience in autonomy so we can leverage the scale of Boeing to innovate for our customers.”
A spin-out from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, Near Earth Autonomy has earned a strong reputation for its work in developing sensor and software platforms that facilitate a range of inspection and transport services to be carried out by aircraft autonomously.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Near Earth. The Boeing HorizonX investment will accelerate the development of robust products and enable access to a broader portfolio of applications for aerial autonomy,” added Sanjiv Singh, CEO, Near Earth Autonomy.
