Programme
Emerging technologies
This programme is the breeding ground for new technologies and ideas within NLR. NLR invests in technologies of the future that are widely deployable for NLR and that could have a huge impact on the way that we live, learn, work and produce. Consider, for instance, virtualisation, digitisation, automation, AR/VR, (explainable) artificial intelligence (AI) including machine learning and deep learning, distributed ledger technology such as blockchain, and advanced data analytics. We identify emerging technologies and appraise how these will develop. We then link these with topics and programmes that are relevant for NLR and our stakeholders and partners.
“ A nursery for new technology”
Programme leader Harmen van der Ven on the Emerging technologies knowledge programme
New technologies can change our world drastically, and that can affect aviation too. But how can we make the best use of that technology in aerospace? What are the opportunities and what are the risks? That is what NLR’s Emerging Technologies knowledge programme is looking at.
Some projects
Emerging technologies workshops
Innovation Programme
A key objective of this programme is to share experiences on technology scouting and innovation management, also as a first step towards an innovation network. Internal workshops were held on artificial intelligence and new material technologies, which provided valuable lessons. Subsequently, an external workshop was organised with innovation groups from various stakeholders, including government, defence, TO2 and industry. The participants were very positive and showed interest in potentially forming a national innovation network.
AI and DS for defence purposes
Applying Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science (DS) in various domains, such as unmanned autonomous systems, decision-making support, logistics, predictive maintenance, business operations, and safety, requires a good understanding and implementation of the necessary prerequisites. The lack of these prerequisites often hinders the implementation of promising experiments with these technologies in operational business operations. To overcome this obstacle, knowledge has been gathered on the prerequisites needed to successfully apply and operationalise AI and DS.
Technology tracks SwarmSim
Drone Swarm Project
The project aimed to make drone swarms safer and more efficient through advanced simulations and analyses. To achieve this, the “SwarmSim” was developed, a simulator that enables the investigation of the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and task allocation in drone swarms. The simulator provides detailed simulation and analysis capabilities, allowing researchers to take further steps in understanding and optimising emergent behaviour in drone swarms within the aviation domain.
Discover more knowledge and technology
Research infrastructure
Areas of expertise
