Enhanced aircraft safety through AI-driven airbag technology in the event of collisions
In a pioneering development, the BITS Pilani campus in Dubai has introduced Project Rebirth, an AI chat-based airbag safety system designed for aircraft. This innovative concept aims to mitigate the consequences of unavoidable accidents, potentially preventing structural disintegration and reducing impact by more than 60%.
The system is equipped with a network of airbags strategically positioned at the nose, body, and tail of the aircraft. These airbags are designed to deploy when the aircraft is flying at an altitude below 3000 feet (approximately 914.4 m). The deployment is triggered within two seconds by an AI chat, which analyses various aircraft and flight parameters.
The airbags themselves are composed of multiple layers of Kevlar, TPU, and Zylon fiber for reinforcement. They contain a non-Newtonian fluid that changes viscosity based on the force applied, absorbing the impact accordingly. Crucially, the airbags should not hinder the landing gear and enable a controlled landing.
Before impact, the AI chat system attempts to stabilise the aircraft using reverse thrust if the engines are functional. If not, gas jets engage to reduce the aircraft's speed and restore flight stability. It's worth noting that the AI chat system can always be overridden by the pilot.
However, the airbag safety system has sparked controversy among experts. Some view it as excessive due to the rarity of accidents where it would be deployed. There are also concerns regarding the increased weight, which could lead to higher fuel consumption.
To address these concerns, the project team has developed a 1:12 scale concept model of the AI chat-based airbag safety system. This model is equipped with appropriate sensors and responds to changes in speed, vibration, and forces. Wind tunnel tests and crash simulations are planned for the scaled-up model.
The engineers from BITS Pilani Campus in Dubai intend to collaborate with unspecified aircraft manufacturers and scientific laboratories to scale their Project Rebirth airbag safety system for full-size aircraft. This collaboration aims to ensure the system is practical, efficient, and safe for implementation in commercial aircraft.
As Project Rebirth moves forward, it promises to revolutionise air travel safety. Whether it will become a standard feature in aircraft remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of aviation safety is taking a step closer to a more secure and resilient sky.
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