Aerospace Sensors & Embedded Vision Systems

Strong Growth and Innovation in Aerospace Opens the Door for Embedded Vision Systems

The aerospace industry has always been an early adopter of new technology. Embedded vision systems may be the next widely adopted technology in the sector. From production to research to use in the final product, embedded vision is helping transform the aerospace industry.

Aviation is a vital part of the global economy, supporting $2.7 trillion of the world's gross domestic product (GDP)¹, meaning there's an enormous market potential for embedded vision systems. Global air passenger growth is expected to rise at a 3.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) until 2036², nearly doubling the current number of global air passengers. Booming short-term growth for military and cargo aircraft is expected as global defense spending rises and Asia's middle class rapidly expands. The market outlook for aerospace is strong. As efforts to improve efficiency and safety ramp up, embedded vision will play an increasingly important role.

Embedded vision is currently being used in Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) and Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) to assist with pilot visibility, aircraft control and safety. Graphics processing units (GPUs) and deep learning techniques are now being used for monitoring aircraft engines to gain accurate insight into performance over the life of the engine. Aerospace products are becoming more digitized to improve safety while collecting a wealth of data to inform future business decisions.

On the production side, aerospace manufacturers need processes to be flawless not only for quality purposes, but because supply chain inefficiencies threaten profitability. Embedded vision makes robots smarter and more flexible while collecting valuable data as part of the development of the industrial internet of things (IIoT). Smart cameras for inspection further increase throughput and data collection for ongoing improvement. Some factories now even equip workers with augmented and virtual reality headsets for better mechanical training and greater efficiency on the factory floor. Embedded vision systems are finding their way into aerospace production in a variety of different applications.

Embedded vision is becoming an important technology in the aerospace industry. With strong growth projections in an already expanding industry, as well as a rising need for technological innovation, there's incredible potential for embedded vision to grow within this space and play a transformative role in aerospace.

Sources:
1. Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders, “Value to the Economy”
2. International Air Transport Association (IATA), “2036 Forecast Reveals Air Passengers Will Nearly Double to 7.8 Billion”