Monolith, an artificial intelligence software provider, has recently commenced a collaboration with Vertical Aerospace, a pioneering aerospace and technology firm based in Bristol, UK, known for its efforts in advancing zero-emission aviation. This partnership aims to enhance Vertical Aerospace's eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft testing and simulation programmes, ultimately improving performance and expediting the aircraft's journey to market.
The testing process for eVTOL vehicles involves considerable complexity, high costs, and significant time investment. Engineers typically dedicate hundreds of hours to validate simulations across extensive parameters and various operational conditions. The collaboration with Monolith is expected to streamline the development of Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft by leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver new insights into design and formulate more efficient test plans within reduced timeframes.
The first project under this partnership will centre on the testing and simulation of the VX4's supporting pylon structures, specifically aimed at assessing the propeller and electric motor's structural and performance requirements during ground tests. Monolith's proprietary Next Test Recommender (NTR) AI-driven algorithm will assist Vertical Aerospace engineers by providing a prioritised list of the most critical tests to conduct. This approach is anticipated to enhance the coverage of design spaces in areas that are yet to be thoroughly explored, utilising a more efficient and reliable testing strategy.
Dr. Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and founder of Monolith, articulated the significance of their collaboration, stating, “Urban air mobility has the potential to revolutionize how we travel, and one of the most promising contributors to this transformation is Vertical’s VX4. With Monolith, Vertical will model complex systems faster and accelerate test campaigns, enabling the company to learn more about design performance while reducing development and testing time.”
Moreover, David King, chief engineer at Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the importance of continuous innovation for transformation in movement, noting, "Collaborating with Monolith allows us to harness cutting-edge AI technology to streamline our testing processes, enabling us to focus on the most impactful areas and accelerate the VX4’s journey to market. By integrating Monolith’s tools, we can enhance our engineering precision, reduce timelines, and continue setting the benchmark for the eVTOL industry.”
Monolith has established a strong reputation within the aerospace sector, following successful projects with renowned firms like Airbus and BAE Systems, focusing on both aircraft and drone technologies. The London-based enterprise aims to democratise access to artificial intelligence for engineering by providing a bespoke Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that employs no-code, machine-learning software. This platform empowers domain experts to utilise their existing testing datasets effectively in product development. The AI-driven platform analyses historical data to generate precise predictions, which can significantly decrease the need for expensive and time-intensive prototyping.
By integrating innovative tools such as the Next Test Recommender and the industry's inaugural AI-powered Anomaly Detector, Monolith is providing intelligent solutions that equip engineers to produce high-quality products in shorter time frames, reaffirming their commitment to transforming traditional engineering practices through advanced technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services