Boeing Announces New Future-Tech Division

Boeing announced the formation of a new division at the Farnborough International Airshow on Tuesday. The goal of the division, called Boeing NeXt, will be to advance next-generation airspace management and evolve the transportation ecosystem.

Image: Boeing

Boeing announced the formation of a new division at the Farnborough International Airshow on Tuesday. The goal of the division, called Boeing NeXt, will be to "advance next-generation airspace management and evolve the transportation ecosystem." According to the company, technologies NeXt will be exploring include artificial intelligence, airspace management for autonomous flight and advanced propulsion.

"We're at a point in history where technological advances and societal trends are converging to demand bold solutions and a different way to travel," said Boeing chief technology officer Greg Hyslop. "Through Boeing NeXt, we intend to build on our legacy of opening up new frontiers to move people and goods with proven technologies."

Boeing has already announced that it will be collaborating with artificial intelligence technology company SparkCognition on developing unmanned aircraft system traffic management solutions. The joint project involves using artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies to track autonomous vehicles and assign routes. Other Boeing NeXt projects include the company's recently revealed hypersonic concept, and electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles for on-demand cargo transport and urban travel.