Asylon has secured a significant contract with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex aimed at enhancing and demonstrating an innovative autonomous aircraft inspection system. This initiative, referred to as Multi-modal Autonomous Robotics for Inspection of Aircraft (MARIA), integrates both aerial and ground robotic technologies to conduct general visual inspections of military aircraft while minimizing human involvement.
The primary goal of the MARIA project is to expedite routine inspections, ensuring they are not only faster but also more consistent. Additionally, this advancement seeks to alleviate the workload and mitigate the safety risks associated with traditional manual inspection processes.
If the project proves successful, it may pave the way for a wider implementation of autonomous inspection technologies across various maintenance operations within the US Air Force, heralding a new era of efficiency in aircraft maintenance.
Under the terms of the contract, Asylon will incorporate its suite of technologies, including the Guardian small unmanned aerial system, the DroneDog quadruped unmanned ground vehicle, the Range autonomy software, and the DroneIQ command-and-control platform into the MARIA system. This comprehensive integration will streamline the inspection process, delivering results through a single interface designed for maintenance personnel.
The MARIA system is capable of collecting various data types, including images, three-dimensional scans of aircraft surfaces, as well as detailed information regarding the robots’ positions and performance. Maintenance personnel will have the option to review inspection findings through conventional workflows or utilize advanced 3D digital models for enhanced analysis.
This contract marks a strategic move following Asylon’s successful $24 million Series B funding round announced the previous year. The investment, spearheaded by Insight Partners, also saw participation from Veteran Ventures Capital, Allegion Ventures, and the GO PA Fund. According to Asylon, the funds are being directed towards expanding their engineering, operations, and commercial teams while rapidly advancing their autonomous robotics technologies. Additionally, the company aims to facilitate broader deployment of these technologies across critical infrastructure, logistics, and commercial sectors, highlighting a commitment to innovation in automation.
