of the unmanned systems. David Huang, Boeing prototype engineer, conducts autonomous research in the lab, integrating components into unmanned vehicles. He interacts with systems engineers. Huang is so involved with the technology, he uses it on and off the job. “I’ve always been into autonomous systems,” Huang said. “In my own time, I work on home autonomous things— voice control, home appliances, lighting, smart home stuff. It’s the grand vision of the future.” As various-sized unmanned aircraft systems soar through Boeing’s autonomous systems lab, the one thing they share in common is the steady hum of their engines. Once the Photos: (Clockwise from far left) Engineer Tom Rice tests unmanned aircraft systems such as an octocopter, foreground, over a floor map projected in the lab; engineers Rice, left, and Chris Beauchene adjust an octocopter; from left, prototype engineer David Huang consults with Beauchene and Rice; Huang adjusts a quadcopter. DECEMBER 2016 | 33 machines become more mainstream, their operating noise someday will be as recognizable as any other sound to the general public, signifying their widespread acceptance and everyday use, Abraham said. Over the past year, the Federal Aviation Administration licensed commercial operators of unmanned aircraft systems for the first time, a move that is spurring far more industry participation and innovation. While an unmanned aircraft system is relatively inexpensive to purchase and easy to obtain, the maturation of the technology, networking to perform difficult tasks, and creation of adjoining platforms will bring significant breakthroughs, Abraham said. The St. Charles facility is poised to share in this evolution, offering Boeing an enterprise resource and encouraging other programs to provide autonomous ideas and products. “I think you’re going to see an explosion of new ideas and concepts, both inside the company and outside,” Abraham said. “Every day, people are taking unmanned vehicles and doing something that’s not been done before.” • DANIEL.W.RALEY@BOEING.COM
Frontiers December 2016 Issue
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