London-based Faculty AI will work with the UK arm of defence and security company. And the collaboration will involve joint product development, to achieve AI-based performance improvements.
CoInS
CoInS, for example, will use AI to process real-time data. Such cognitive sensing systems are already used in sectors such as industrial robotics, brain-computer interface (BCI) and human-computer interaction (HCI). The technology could allow sensors to self-orientate themselves without the need for humans to operate them remotely.
The companies will also be looking at AI capabilities for electronic warfare payloads and countermeasures for combat aircraft. This, Leonardo says, will build on its BriteCloud decoy and BriteStorm jamming system.
AI-driven
“Our goal is to move beyond a transactional prime-supplier relationship,” said Professor Simon Harwood, Capability Director at Leonardo UK (above).
“We’ll be looking for opportunities where Leonardo’s expertise in defence electronics sensors and integration, military rotorcraft and cyber security can incorporate the AI expertise of Faculty to deliver something of tangible benefit to our customers.”
Leonardo says it will also deploy AI to improve operations at its nine UK sites. It will also sponsor multiple ‘Faculty Fellowships’, short-term industry placements for graduating PhD and MSc students.
The nine UK sites comprise: Basildon, Bristol, Edinburgh, Lincoln, London (HQ), Luton, Newcastle, Southampton and Yeovil.
SME Collaboration
Note that the partnership is the first under a Leonardo SME Collaboration Partner Programme.
This sees the company working with smaller third parties-to bring joint products to market. It aims to address a long-standing problem for small and medium-sized companies. Specifically, to help translate innovation into market success within the defence industry.
Image: Leonardo
See also: Leonardo results highlight increased employment at UK sites
