UAV Software Prioritizes Human Safety

November 4, 2020

NASA Armstrong’s Resilient Autonomy project will use the Hybrid Quadrotor 90C vertical lift and transition remotely piloted aircraft for software testing. (Credits: NASA Photo/Ken Ulbrich)

Autonomous aircraft systems have the potential to save lives, and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s Resilient Autonomy project is at the forefront of development. These advanced software systems are preventing air-to-ground collisions in piloted aircraft and the project is now focusing on developments to prevent aircraft from colliding with other aircraft in the air.

The software can better manage the mission intent of the flight while always maneuvering within the acceptable performance limits of the aircraft, much like how a pilot manages a safe flight.