TL;DR:
- Pratt & Whitney introduces Percept, an AI-powered automatic engine inspection system.
- Percept utilizes computer vision and AI technology to provide real-time information on parts availability.
- The cloud-based system enables quick and cost-efficient inspections, reducing inspection time by 90%.
- Percept will be deployed on Pratt’s commercial engines, enhancing maintenance processes.
- Awiros, an Indian firm specializing in computer vision and AI, collaborated with Pratt & Whitney on Percept’s development.
- Awiros emerged as the winner of the RTX Innovation Challenge, showcasing their expertise in automating engine inspections.
- Percept’s commercial launch in the aerospace industry marks a significant milestone for the industry.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking move, Pratt & Whitney, a leading aerospace manufacturer, has launched Percept, an AI-powered automatic engine inspection system. This cutting-edge tool integrates artificial intelligence into aircraft engine monitoring, providing maintenance personnel with real-time information on parts availability. Pratt & Whitney’s Percept, operating on the innovative Awiros Video Intelligence operating system, marks a significant advancement in computer vision, deep learning, and AI applications.
With Percept’s cloud-based computing system, users can conveniently capture photos and videos of aircraft engines using their mobile devices and instantaneously receive comprehensive details on parts availability. This breakthrough technology enables faster and more cost-efficient turnaround of leased engines, streamlining the inspection process by automating engine inspections. Instead of laboriously examining engines part by part, inspectors can rely on Percept to significantly reduce the time required for the task by an impressive 90 percent.
Pratt & Whitney will exclusively deploy Percept on their commercial engines, including the highly regarded Pratt & Whitney GTF engine and the V2500. O Sung Kwon, Pratt’s Vice President of Customer Support, expressed his enthusiasm for Percept, stating, “The Percept tool helps reduce time and effort involved in the pre-and-post lease analysis of aircraft engines. We have been working with Awiros, an Indian Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence (AI) start-up for the past few years to mature this technology; we are excited to be shifting from technology development to now bringing an operational product to the market.”
Awiros, an Indian firm specializing in computer vision, AI, and machine learning, emerged victorious in the RTX Innovation Challenge—an Indian competition aimed at optimizing and automating aircraft engine inspections with minimal human intervention. Awiros’ groundbreaking idea was meticulously evaluated over the course of 2021 and is poised to make its commercial debut later this year. Vikram Gupta, founder and chief executive of Awiros, expressed his pride in the collaboration, stating, “Building the Percept tool in collaboration with RTX has been one of the most exciting opportunities in the journey of Awiros as a startup. We are proud that Percept’s high-fidelity scanning of Pratt & Whitney engines with handheld [mobile] phones, without any specialized hardware, is being commercially deployed in the aerospace industry.”
India, known as the world’s fastest-growing aviation industry and a hub of aviation technological innovation, played a pivotal role in the development of Percept. Ashmita Sethi, president and India country head for Pratt & Whitney, acknowledged India’s contribution, stating, “Percept is the result of some of India’s best and brightest minds collaborating with Pratt & Whitney to innovate a solution that delivers significant efficiencies and value to our customers.“
In other remarkable news, RTX, a renowned technology firm, recently shared the progress made by Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace in advancing hybrid-electric propulsion through the Scalable Turboelectric Powertrain Technology (STEP-Tech) demonstrator. This modular and scalable demonstrator platform, which completed its first engine run and electrical system integration test, serves as a pioneering concept for various high-speed eVTOL aircraft, blended wing body aircraft, and advanced air mobility vehicles.
Moreover, RTX announced a major milestone achievement in its hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program. The successful completion of a rated power test on the demonstrator’s 1MW electric motor—developed by Collins Aerospace—is a significant stride forward. As part of a hybrid-electric propulsion system, this formidable 1MW motor will be combined with an efficient thermal engine developed by Pratt & Whitney, solidifying their commitment to sustainable aviation solutions.
It is worth noting that Pratt & Whitney’s dedication to innovation extends beyond Percept. Last year, the company was awarded a project by the Department of Energy (DoE) to advance hydrogen propulsion technology, demonstrating its unwavering pursuit of cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney accomplished a successful test on their GTF Advantage engine configuration, showcasing the integration of 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
Conclusion:
The launch of Pratt & Whitney’s Percept and its AI-powered engine inspection system represents a significant breakthrough in the aerospace market. By leveraging computer vision, deep learning, and AI technology, Percept revolutionizes the inspection process, reducing time and effort while enhancing efficiency and accuracy. This development not only streamlines maintenance operations but also showcases the potential for AI to transform various aspects of the aviation industry. Pratt & Whitney’s collaboration with Awiros and their focus on innovation position them as key players in driving advancements in aerospace engineering and signaling a new era in engine inspections.
