CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA]
announced its investment in Near Earth Autonomy, a Pittsburgh-based company focused on developing
a portfolio of technologies that enable safe and reliable
autonomous flight.
In addition to the investment, Boeing and Near Earth Autonomy
also announced a partnership to explore future products and
applications for emerging markets such as urban mobility.
"This partnership will accelerate technology solutions that we
feel will be key to unlocking emerging markets of autonomous
flight," said 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."
The investment in Near Earth Autonomy is the first in autonomous
technologies by Boeing HorizonX Ventures since it was established
in April. Near Earth Autonomy, a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute, is
a leader in software and sensor technology that enables aircraft
ranging from sub-meter to full scale to inspect, map and survey
terrain and infrastructure, as well as transport cargo
autonomously.
"This is an exciting opportunity for Near Earth," said
Sanjiv Singh, CEO, Near Earth
Autonomy. "The Boeing HorizonX investment will accelerate the
development of robust products and enable access to a broader
portfolio of applications for aerial autonomy."
Near Earth's founders have over three decades of experience
developing autonomous systems for ground and aerial vehicles. Two
of their groundbreaking achievements include the world's first
full-size autonomous helicopter flights in partnership with the
U.S. Army in 2010 and ongoing work with the Office of Naval
Research developing an autonomous aerial cargo delivery platform
for the U.S. Marines.
By leveraging the power of the world's largest aerospace
company, Boeing HorizonX invests in new business ventures to unlock
the next generation of game-changing ideas, products, and markets.
The Boeing HorizonX Ventures portfolio includes investments in
wearable enabled technologies, augmented reality systems,
hybrid-electric propulsion, and artificial intelligence. HorizonX
also seeks unique business opportunities and non-traditional
partnerships for the company's aerospace technology using
disruptive innovations and business strategies.
Boeing is the leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and
defense, space and security systems. The leading U.S. exporter,
Boeing supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers
in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include
commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic
and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and
communication systems, and performance-based logistics and
training.
Contact:
Megan Hilfer
Boeing Communications
425-237-2237
Near Earth Autonomy
Jackie Erickson
412-606-7302
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SOURCE Boeing