The Airfield Autonomy Initiative (AAI) is a $2.25 million project led by NARTP, the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, and the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command. This initiative invites industry partners to develop autonomous vehicles capable of safely operating in airport environments. Initial focus areas for the AAI include detecting foreign object debris (FOD), lawn mowing, perimeter detection and security, as well as command and control systems.
Last summer, NARTP successfully hosted a three-day conference with AAI stakeholders, including representatives from the Air Force, the FAA, and participating companies. As part of this program, southern New Jersey is emerging as a significant hub for research and development of autonomous vehicles.
In March, NARTP facilitated a Safety Review Panel with representatives from the Smart Airport Testbed at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), the FAA, and Applied Research Associates, which provides subject matter expertise for the AAI initiative. The Safety Review Panel developed a pioneering portal to gather critical information about upcoming AAI research and development activities at ACY. The FAA will evaluate this information to ensure that all testing activities are conducted safely.
Another six to eight weeks of AAI research, development, and testing is scheduled to take place at the Atlantic City International Airport Smart Airport Testbed, starting in mid-April.
The implications of successful airfield automation extend far beyond efficiency. Enhanced safety measures mean fewer accidents and incidents on the ground, saving lives and money. Ultimately, airfield automation is poised to set a new global standard, and NARTP is at the helm of this transformation.
A collaborative approach
NARTP recognizes that monumental change doesn’t happen overnight—or alone. Partnerships with technology developers, academic institutions, aviation research companies, and government agencies allow an exchange of ideas and resources that fuel progress. These relationships amplify the pace of innovation by uniting experts from diverse fields to develop and deploy solutions tailored to the aviation sector’s critical needs.
Long-term impacts on aviation
The advancements propelled by NARTP’s initiatives will benefit aviation for decades to come. Automation is poised to become a staple in airfield operations, addressing both operational challenges and long-term sustainability concerns. With airfields expected to handle increasing traffic in the coming years, the innovations developed through the NARTP could reduce bottlenecks and ensure smoother, faster processes.
Joining the movement
For aviation companies, technology developers, and air cargo businesses alike, the work being done at NARTP offers an incredible chance to contribute to this rapidly advancing movement. Becoming part of the NARTP network is more than a business opportunity, it’s an active role in reshaping an industry at the crossroads of change. Together, we can harness the power of innovation to redefine what’s possible for this highly pivotal industry—laying the groundwork for generations to come. Visit www.nartp.com for more information.
