MIT Partners with Merlin to Advance Collision Avoidance Tech for Uncrewed Aircraft

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory has joined forces with Merlin, a developer of flight automation systems, to integrate cutting-edge collision avoidance technology into uncrewed aircraft. This collaboration, announced on April 23, aims to commercialize MIT’s Airborne Collision Avoidance System Xu (ACAS Xu), marking a significant advancement in aerial safety protocols.

Initially, the partnership will focus on melding the ACAS Xu’s RTCA DO-368 software standard with Merlin’s Merlin Pilot system, which is currently being tailored for existing aircraft types. The ACAS Xu, an adaptation of MIT’s ACAS X technology for manned aircraft, is designed specifically for unmanned air systems and aims to fulfill the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) rigorous requirements for modern airspace operations.

Alexander Naiman, Chief Technology Officer at Merlin, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Collision avoidance decision-making systems are accepted by the FAA, and their outputs are critical to helping pilots and unmanned aircraft safely maneuver in the shared airspace.” He further noted that incorporating a next-generation system like the ACAS Xu into the Merlin Pilot not only boosts the safety of their system but also supports the development of advanced automation capabilities, paving the way for an autonomous future in aviation.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ainonline.com