Boeing and SparkCognition recently announced plans to launch an Austin, Texas-based company called SkyGrid, which will “enable the future of urban aerial mobility,” the companies say.

With a mind towards ensuring the safe, secure integration of autonomous cargo and passenger air vehicles in the global airspace, SkyGrid will develop a software platform utilizing blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled dynamic traffic routing, data analytics and cybersecurity features.

The platform will go beyond UAS traffic management (UTM), the companies say, as it will allow SkyGrid customers to safely perform a variety of UAS operations including package delivery, industrial inspections and emergency assistance.

“SkyGrid merges expertise in AI, blockchain, security and aviation to deliver breakthrough technological advancements for the rapidly-growing urban aerial mobility industry,” explains Amir Husain, who will serve as CEO of SkyGrid in addition to his role as founder and CEO of SparkCognition.

“By offering scalable and robust capabilities in a single, integrated framework, SkyGrid will make large-scale air vehicle applications more practical and accessible.”

Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, adds, “the Boeing and SparkCognition partnership is unmatched in industry today. SkyGrid is building the digital infrastructure that will make safe, seamless commercial and personal transport possible for billions of people around the world.”

Known for its award-winning machine learning technology, SparkCognition builds AI systems to advance the most important interests of society. SparkCognition’s customers rely on the company to help them analyze complex data, empower decision making, and transform human and industrial productivity.