At the upcoming VivaTech forum in Paris this June, Airbus is set to showcase a demonstration highlighting the use of computer vision to enhance automated landing procedures and operational efficiency. The Vision Landing Application utilises artificial intelligence to analyse runway features in real-time using onboard cameras. The goal of this research is to create an additional and independent positioning source to guide pilots and/or their aircraft reliably, opening up the perspective of bringing autoland (fully automated landing procedure) capabilities to airports that lack advanced ground infrastructure.
While the technology is still in the research phase and far from commercial certification, this technical exploration aligns directly with Airbus’ global roadmap for Smart Automation. Airbus already has a head start, since it has already conducted numerous research projects during the last decade, which have led to the demonstrator at Airbus’ stand at this year’s show.
Airbus Smart Automation Roadmap – key research to date:
Airbus research opened with the launch of the Autonomous Taxi, Take-Off & Landing (ATTOL) project on June 1, 2018. Designed as a rapid risk-reduction demonstrator, ATTOL aimed to prove that an aircraft could safely navigate airport environments using image recognition technology entirely independent of conventional ground-based signalling infrastructure like Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) or Ground Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS). (....)