Boeing has announced that it is working with SparkCognition, an artificial intelligence (AI) technology company, to deliver UAS traffic management (UTM) technologies.

The companies will use artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies to track UAS in flight, and allocate traffic corridors and routes to ensure safe, secure transportation. Through the collaboration, the companies will also provide a standardized programming interface to support commercial applications such as package delivery and industrial inspections.

“Estimated by some analysts at $3 trillion, the urban aerial mobility opportunity will lead to the creation of the largest new market in our lifetimes,” says Amir Husain, founder and CEO of SparkCognition.

“The world's number one aviation leader partnering with the world's most innovative industrial AI company means that unparalleled experience in safety, innovation, scale, and reliability will be brought to bear to address this monumental opportunity.”

Additionally, Boeing has also announced that it is standing up a new organization, Boeing NeXt, to not only help advance UTM and next-generation travel, but to also evolve the transportation ecosystem.

Boeing NeXt will leverage Boeing's research and development activities and investments in a variety of areas such as autonomous flight and advanced propulsion. The organization will also focus on modeling smart cities and exploring new market opportunities to solve for the transportation challenges of the future.

“We're at a point in history where technological advances and societal trends are converging to demand bold solutions and a different way to travel,” explains Greg Hyslop, Boeing chief technology officer.

“Boeing has the experience and expertise to safely and efficiently shape this emerging world of travel and transport. Through Boeing NeXt, we intend to build on our legacy of opening up new frontiers to move people and goods with proven technologies.”

The Boeing NeXt portfolio will include Boeing’s recently unveiled passenger-carrying hypersonic concept, as well as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles that will provide on-demand cargo transport and urban air travel in the future mobility ecosystem.