General Atomics

Cranfield University and Altair to advance use of simulation, data analytics and AI

Cranfield University and Altair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore and expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI), simulation and data analytics within the aerospace and robotics industries.



Image courtesy Altair / Cranfield University

The organisations will also support students, researchers and startups looking to harness the power of computational intelligence within these industries.

Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defence, Altair, said: "Cranfield University is a proven leader and innovator in aerospace and beyond.

"This MoU is just the first step in developing new breakthroughs and helping organisations of all kinds explore the immense power of simulation, data analytics and AI within aerospace."

Professor Antonios Tsourdos, director of AI, robotics and space, Cranfield University, said: "We’re looking forward to working together with Altair to identify ways we can integrate technologies to support students and their research projects and accelerate startups already working with Cranfield.

"We anticipate great things from our joint efforts and are delighted to work with Altair experts to drive next-generation aerospace innovation."

The agreement comes at a time when the convergence of AI, machine learning, data analytics and simulation is increasingly pivotal in developing new innovations in areas like autonomous space exploration, Earth observation, telecommunications and defence.

Cranfield University has world-renowned expertise in aerospace research and innovation. It is the only university in Europe with its own airport and runway and is the UK’s largest provider of accredited aerospace and space master’s degree courses.

Related

UK startup developing 400-mile military cargo drone secures $10 million investment
Skyfly Technologies
UK startup developing 400-mile military cargo drone secures $10 million investment
The funding will support development of the hybrid propulsion system for Skyfly's Longbow electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Aerospace

22 Oct 2026

Affinity Aviation forges UK partnership with AeronautX
Caroline Talboys, Andrew Hoy and Christian Jones.
Affinity Aviation forges UK partnership with AeronautX
As AeronautX expands its UK operations, Affinity Aviation Group (AAG) has invested in AeronautX UK's new office situated within AAG’s existing headquarters at Farnborough Airport.
Aerospace Member News

22 Oct 2026

Rising airline jet fuel costs could affect UK aerospace investment and regional routes
BGS extends fuelling partnership with Ryanair
Rising airline jet fuel costs could affect UK aerospace investment and regional routes
Higher airline fuel costs could affect aircraft investment, maintenance demand and UK regional air services, despite strong aerospace order backlogs.
Aerospace

21 Oct 2026

Defence committee warns of “glaring gaps” in High North defences against Russia
A youngster waves the Flag of St George as HMS Prince of Wales leaves Portsmouth in 2025
Defence committee warns of “glaring gaps” in High North defences against Russia
A new Defence Committee report highlights concerns over Royal Navy availability and the UK's ability to meet its commitments in the High North amid evolving Russian activity and uncertainty over future US support for NATO.
Defence

22 Oct 2026

LionStrike says it could build British Army LMV base vehicles in 10 production days
Team LionStrike Chevrolet Silverado for British Army LMV bid
LionStrike says it could build British Army LMV base vehicles in 10 production days
GM’s manufacturing scale underpins a bid promising rapid production, while UK companies would deliver military integration and long-term fleet support.
Defence

22 Oct 2026

OpenWorks Engineering to support US DHS’ C-UAS capability
OpenWorks’ Vision Pace
OpenWorks Engineering to support US DHS’ C-UAS capability
OpenWorks Engineering will enhance US Department for Homeland Security (DHS) ’counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capability via its Vision Pace solution, to detect, track, identify and target threats from stationary or moving platforms.
ClearSpace and Eutelsat sign term sheet to advance Phoenix GEO life-extension services
Artificial rendering of Phoenix approaching a client satellite.
ClearSpace and Eutelsat sign term sheet to advance Phoenix GEO life-extension services
A new agreement between ClearSpace and Eutelsat has established a framework for cooperation on the Phoenix mission and future commercial life-extension services, bringing satellite operator expertise into the development of next-gen in-orbit servicing capabilities.
Member News Space

22 Oct 2026

UK Space Agency opens £2m fund to bring satellite data into new markets
Satellite
UK Space Agency opens £2m fund to bring satellite data into new markets
UK businesses can partner with space suppliers to test satellite-enabled environmental and emissions services, with applications closing on 11 December.
Space

21 Oct 2026

Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Aurora - Flight 61, Scout Space - High Altitude
Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace are exploring plans to bring reusable spaceplane operations to Newquay, with ambitions for twice-daily flights to the edge of space.
Aerospace Space

20 Oct 2026

UK businesses warned over critical PHP flaws affecting WordPress, Magento and web applications
Cybersecurity
UK businesses warned over critical PHP flaws affecting WordPress, Magento and web applications
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is urging UK businesses to identify vulnerable PHP systems after two critical software flaws were found that could allow hackers to remotely take control of websites, web applications and online services.
Security

22 Oct 2026

NVIDIA backs UK AI safety research with $250m computing commitment
Artificial intelligence and future concept
NVIDIA backs UK AI safety research with $250m computing commitment
NVIDIA's funding for AI security comes alongside new investments and warnings about competitiveness.
Security

22 Oct 2026

UK wildfires expose gaps in emergency preparedness, MPs warn
UK wildfire
UK wildfires expose gaps in emergency preparedness, MPs warn
The MPs are calling for improved firefighting resources and a nationwide public awareness campaign to reduce the growing threat of wildfires.
Home Security

21 Oct 2026