Picture getting on a plane with no pilot in the cockpit. It may sound like science fiction, but unmanned aircraft are quickly turning that nightmare into reality. These aircraft can operate without human intervention, using a combination of algorithms, onboard sensors, and artificial intelligence to traverse the skies. From small drones delivering packages to pillows flying uninhabited commercial jets, the aviation industry is making steady progress toward removing the pilot from the cockpit.

Autonomous flight relies on a type of technology called sensor fusion. The flight vehicle can use GPS, radar, LIDAR, infrared cameras, among others, as well as its onboard sensors to get real-time data to help it “see” and understand its environment. With the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the aircraft can react to its environment, making live decisions about altitude, deviations around storms, and other emergency situations. Many autonomous aircraft are controlled remotely, allowing humans to monitor a fleet of vessels, with the opportunity to take control of actuation if the need arises. This function adds more levels of safety compared to traditional aviation, and redundancy to the unmanned vehicle operation when autonomy or pilot is removed from operation.

Taking the human out of the cockpit presents other issues, especially concerning safety. Aviation is one of the most regulated industries in the world for a reason. No one wants to be the first to inadvertently fly in a tragedy involving an autonomous aircraft. More specifically, autonomous systems must be and hold certification to an exceedingly high standard before they are permitted to carry passengers or operate in populated area airspace. Regulators are working with industry companies to work on developing procedures for testing and developing fail-safe systems. The industry must also initiate procedures to ensure flight operations will also maintain reliability as if a pilot was onboard the aircraft. Major concerns for regulators include: cybersecurity, emergency response, and the integration of autonomous vehicles into air traffic control systems.