How technology is disrupting aerospace

The aerospace industry—including commercial aviation, military aircraft, and spaceflight—can never be immune to the forces of new technology. From manufacturers to suppliers, everyone in this mas-sive ecosystem is affected by numerous tech advances, such as integrating fuel efficiency and sus-tainability in the equation. Here are some ways that technology is giving aerospace a deep overhaul.

The prospects of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things allows electronic devices to gather data and share these among themselves. In the aviation industry, the technology has been applied to the improvement and fast-tracking of basic plane maintenance tasks. Plane sensors are now regularly installed in the interiors and exteriors of planes, gathering data instantly available to the tablets of maintenance and repair personnel.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a public and transparent system of recording digital information, most pertinently those involved in transactions. The system’s transparent nature is seen to boost accountability and tracea-bility in the aerospace industry, where a series of tasks has to be put in an all-accessible database.

3D printing

3D manufacturing is seeing new developments such as on-site printing to reduce transportation costs, the discovery of more lightweight but sturdier materials, and part by part printing specialization for the production of more precise and durable equipment components.

AI and machine learning

Artificial intelligence is a gamechanger with its various applications, such as predictive analytics to al-low algorithms to repair data and perform real-time reporting. The industry can enjoy reduced rou-tine maintenance and be intuitive in their processes with these robotic functions.

Biofuels and green aviation

Experts today are working hard to see the day modern jet engines run on biofuels, a step in the right direction toward slashing greenhouse emissions. Airlines have all operated commercial flights using biofuels, ranging from recycled vegetable oil to plant-based ethanol. Changing mindsets are also leading to more green concepts such as cheaper and lighter building materials.

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