The aviation sector, revered for its contributions to modern mobility and global connectiv- ity, stands at a pivotal juncture with the potential infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. This thesis seeks to shed light on the transformative potential of AI within the aerospace domain, drawing from firsthand experiences as an intern at MTU Aero Engines, Germany’s leading engine manufacturer and established global player in the industry. Us- ing a methodological examination of individual projects undertaken during the internship, the study delves into the technologies employed, the company’s situational context, and the cyclical pattern of development leading to end outcomes. Notably, the aerospace sec- tor’s heavy reliance on legacy systems, compounded by stringent data protection mandates due to military affiliations, presents unique challenges. These often antiquated systems, layered bureaucracies, and limited technological avenues can obstruct the seamless in- tegration of AI. Nevertheless, despite these hurdles, the industry holds vast untapped potential. Simple process overhauls can bring about significant advancements, given the current technological lag in the sector. Conclusively, the aerospace sector’s future, al- though challenging, is ripe for AI-induced enhancements, focusing on clear, explainable, and performance-assured projects. Such endeavors might require longer timelines than other industries, but the value proposition remains undeniable.
Il mondo dell’aviazione, pilastro della mobilità moderna e della connettività globale, è oggi di fronte a una rivoluzione: l’adozione dell’Intelligenza Artificiale (IA). Questa tesi nasce dall’esperienza vissuta come stagista presso MTU Aero Engines, leader tedesco nella produzione di motori aeronautici e protagonista riconosciuto a livello internazionale. La metodologia adottata ha permesso di analizzare in dettaglio ciascun progetto svolto durante il tirocinio, mettendo in luce le tecnologie utilizzate, l’ambiente aziendale e il percorso evolutivo che ha condotto ai risultati conseguiti. Una sfida particolarmente sentita nel settore aerospaziale è la sua storica dipendenza dai cosiddetti "sistemi legacy", ancor più complessa da gestire a causa delle stringenti normative sulla protezione dei dati legate alle collaborazioni militari. Questo panorama, fatto di sistemi datati e di una burocrazia radicata, può rendere complessa una piena integrazione dell’IA. Ma, al di là degli ostacoli, le opportunità sono chiare: anche piccole innovazioni possono generare svolte epocali, data la relativa arretratezza tecnologica che caratterizza il settore. In sintesi, sebbene l’ingresso pieno dell’IA nel mondo aerospaziale richieda tempi e attenzioni particolari, il potenziale di miglioramento è immenso, a patto di concentrarsi su progetti trasparenti, di facile comprensione e dalle prestazioni certe.
Propelling the Future: A Comprehensive Study on AI Initiatives Enhancing and Educating the Aviation Industry
TIU, ROBERT ANDREI
2022/2023
Abstract
The aviation sector, revered for its contributions to modern mobility and global connectiv- ity, stands at a pivotal juncture with the potential infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. This thesis seeks to shed light on the transformative potential of AI within the aerospace domain, drawing from firsthand experiences as an intern at MTU Aero Engines, Germany’s leading engine manufacturer and established global player in the industry. Us- ing a methodological examination of individual projects undertaken during the internship, the study delves into the technologies employed, the company’s situational context, and the cyclical pattern of development leading to end outcomes. Notably, the aerospace sec- tor’s heavy reliance on legacy systems, compounded by stringent data protection mandates due to military affiliations, presents unique challenges. These often antiquated systems, layered bureaucracies, and limited technological avenues can obstruct the seamless in- tegration of AI. Nevertheless, despite these hurdles, the industry holds vast untapped potential. Simple process overhauls can bring about significant advancements, given the current technological lag in the sector. Conclusively, the aerospace sector’s future, al- though challenging, is ripe for AI-induced enhancements, focusing on clear, explainable, and performance-assured projects. Such endeavors might require longer timelines than other industries, but the value proposition remains undeniable.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/10589/210488