Microsoft helps accelerate work on AI for autonomous drones and flying taxis
If autonomous drones and flying taxis are going to thrive, they'll need AI that can handle a wide range of conditions — and Microsoft thinks it can help build that AI. The company unveiled a Project AirSim platform that helps manufacturers create, train and test the algorithms guiding autonomous aircraft. Azure-based technology allows virtual vehicles to fly millions of flights through detailed simulations in seconds, evaluating their ability to handle different obstacles and weather conditions. A drone maker can quickly tell if their machine will avoid birds or use too much battery to counter high winds.
Developers can use trained AI "building blocks" to get started, so they won't need large amounts of technical know-how. Users can create custom 3D environments using Bing Maps, but they will also have access to a ready-to-use library of cities (such as New York and London) and generic locations.
Project AirSim is currently available as a "limited" preview already used at Airtonomy and Bell. Microsoft plans to expand the simulation with replicas of physical, weather, and digital sensors, including the ability to bring custom physical models through a team with MathWorks. The team is also "actively engaged" with governments and standards groups, and envisions a day when AirSim could help certify autonomous aircraft by subjecting them to rigorous digital testing.
The initiative will fall short of some of the biggest challenges in autonomous flight, including aircraft design and real world testing. However, Microsoft is keen to note that its technology is flexible — it can help shape everything from delivery drones to eVTOL taxis navigating dense cities. If all goes well, companies will spend more time deploying aircraft and less time working on core functionality.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If autonomous drones and flying taxis are going to thrive, they'll need AI that can handle a wide range of conditions — and Microsoft thinks it can help build that AI. The company unveiled a Project AirSim platform that helps manufacturers create, train and test the algorithms guiding autonomous aircraft. Azure-based technology allows virtual vehicles to fly millions of flights through detailed simulations in seconds, evaluating their ability to handle different obstacles and weather conditions. A drone maker can quickly tell if their machine will avoid birds or use too much battery to counter high winds.
Developers can use trained AI "building blocks" to get started, so they won't need large amounts of technical know-how. Users can create custom 3D environments using Bing Maps, but they will also have access to a ready-to-use library of cities (such as New York and London) and generic locations.
Project AirSim is currently available as a "limited" preview already used at Airtonomy and Bell. Microsoft plans to expand the simulation with replicas of physical, weather, and digital sensors, including the ability to bring custom physical models through a team with MathWorks. The team is also "actively engaged" with governments and standards groups, and envisions a day when AirSim could help certify autonomous aircraft by subjecting them to rigorous digital testing.
The initiative will fall short of some of the biggest challenges in autonomous flight, including aircraft design and real world testing. However, Microsoft is keen to note that its technology is flexible — it can help shape everything from delivery drones to eVTOL taxis navigating dense cities. If all goes well, companies will spend more time deploying aircraft and less time working on core functionality.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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