At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Mumbai, Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors N.V. revealed an expanded partnership aimed at advancing aviation product development and facilitating the shift towards autonomous flight. This announcement on January 10, 2025, builds upon the existing collaboration between the two companies that focuses on optimising energy consumption management in buildings, first presented at CES 2024.
The partnership aims to leverage Honeywell's extensive expertise in aerospace and NXP's high-performance computing architecture to develop AI-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency in flight planning and management. A key focus will be on innovating large-area displays for next-generation cockpits, promising thinner, high-resolution screens designed to improve both visual clarity and system efficiency. Furthermore, the collaboration intends to simplify the transition to new avionic technologies and prolong the lifecycles of existing critical aviation technologies, thereby delivering enduring value for aircraft manufacturers and operators.
Vimal Kapur, chairman and CEO of Honeywell, remarked on the collaboration, stating, “Our industrial domain expertise combined with NXP’s best-in-class technology is a powerful accelerator for industrial leaders on the path to autonomy. Working together, we are developing differentiated solutions and services that shape the future of automation, driving significant customer outcomes and fueling Honeywell’s growth.”
NXP's technology will adapt its domain-based architecture—previously developed for the automotive sector—for aviation applications powered by Honeywell Anthem, recognized as the industry's first cloud-connected cockpit system. This current initiative seeks to incorporate AI and machine learning in building controllers, continuing the successful co-creation model established between the two firms, which has previously seen NXP processors embedded in Honeywell’s building management, fire safety, and security products.
In the aerospace sector, Honeywell plans to utilise various NXP processors, such as i.MX 8 application processors, currently implemented in Honeywell’s Advanced Control for Buildings platform, and S32N super-integration processors. These processors will provide high-performance solutions, delivering faster data processing that is crucial for real-time AI-driven insights designed to enhance safety and operational performance both in flight and on the ground.
Kurt Sievers, President and CEO of NXP Semiconductors, emphasized the importance of their partnership in achieving autonomous flight capabilities by stating, “Bringing avionics closer to autonomous flight requires a unique combination of high-performance processing and AI, advanced connectivity and security, and functional safety. NXP’s broad portfolio and systems solutions approach makes us a natural partner for Honeywell on the journey towards creating innovative, intelligent and autonomous avionics that can sense, think and act.”
A notable beneficiary of this collaborative effort is Vertical Aerospace, a pioneering entity in electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is currently testing its piloted VX4 prototype equipped with Honeywell Anthem technology. Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “By fulfilling the promise of advanced air mobility, electric aircraft like the VX4 represent a bold vision for the future. Honeywell Anthem has already proven to be a highly capable platform, and we’re excited to explore how its capabilities can be further enhanced by NXP’s advanced computing to lessen pilot workloads while increasing situational awareness. Together, we see opportunities to make travel quicker, cleaner and safer, supporting our shared vision to transform how the world moves.”
At CES, Honeywell and NXP are showcasing a Honeywell Anthem avionics demonstrator at NXP’s Pavilion (Central Plaza – #107), illustrating the potential of their collaboration in shaping the future of aviation automation. Those attending CES can schedule appointments to experience the Honeywell Anthem technology first-hand.
Source: Noah Wire Services