Boeing has invested in US-based company SparkCognition, which focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

This is the latest investment by the Boeing HorizonX, a venture unit that was established earlier this year.

Boeing plans to test-launch self-flying passenger planes and expects that this investment could lead to applications such as AI-driven security for aerospace industry.

SparkCognition develops a cognitive, data-driven analytics platform for energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, finance, aerospace, defence, telecommunications and security sectors.

"SparkCognition is at the forefront of a technological shift in machine learning and artificial intelligence that will revolutionise every aspect of industry."

Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice-president for engineering, test and technology Greg Hyslop said: "SparkCognition is at the forefront of a technological shift in machine learning and artificial intelligence that will revolutionise every aspect of industry. They are leaders in AI, and they are pursuing the types of technologies that are critical to our future products and services."

Boeing has joined a host of strategic investors, led by Verizon Ventures, in the initial $32m funding round of SparkCognition.

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SparkCognition founder and CEO Amir Husain said: "Having industry stalwarts, Verizon and Boeing support our existing investors in funding this new round of growth serves as tremendous validation of our technology and track record. There is massive demand for our category-leading AI solutions.

"The world is well on its way to an AI-powered revolution, where cognitive systems will truly augment human capabilities, but at machine speed and big data scale. Our real-world deployments and on-the-ground successes speak to the broad applicability of SparkCognition's AI technology, and the tremendous promise of AI in general."

Other recent companies in which Boeing HorizonX invested comprise Upskill, a provider of enterprise software for augmented reality wearables for manufacturing, field service and logistics; and Zunum Aero, which focuses on developing of alternative propulsion aircraft.