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

Fresh wave of bomb threats hits European flights as BALPA explains airline response
Cockpit
Fresh wave of bomb threats hits European flights as BALPA explains airline response
Fresh bomb threats affected flights in and out of the UK today, as pilots' union BALPA explained how airlines respond to credible threats.
Aerospace

6 Nov 2026

NATS outage cost UK aviation industry £33 million, report finds
Heathrow Tower.
NATS outage cost UK aviation industry £33 million, report finds
A new report says airlines bore the brunt of the financial losses, exposing the financial risks of aviation infrastructure failures.
Aerospace

5 Nov 2026

ODU Connectors secures docking and charging interfaces for autonomous industrial operations
ODU Connectors demo
ODU Connectors secures docking and charging interfaces for autonomous industrial operations
To advance the automation of production and logistics processes, ODU Connectors has introduced a range of connectors to provide secure Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) operations in industrial and warehouse environments.
Babcock and Everllence partner on propulsion of Arrowhead Frigates
MoU signing at Euronaval, Paris.
Babcock and Everllence partner on propulsion of Arrowhead Frigates
The new partnership framework will see Everllence supporting the development of next-generation power and propulsion systems across Babcock's Arrowhead programmes.
Defence Member News

6 Nov 2026

Inzpire facilitates delivery of COBRA WARRIOR 26-2 at RAF Waddington
COBRA WARRIOR 26-2 at RAF Waddington
Inzpire facilitates delivery of COBRA WARRIOR 26-2 at RAF Waddington
Inzpire personnel organised the integration of multinational participants, training objectives and the delivery of realistic scenarios during live missions, for the most complex COBRA WARRIOR held to date, at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
Defence

6 Nov 2026

Autonomous maritime systems integration demoed in AUKUS exercise
MARS-USV
Autonomous maritime systems integration demoed in AUKUS exercise
Portsmouth based SubSea Craft, together with Naval Systems and Dragonfish Technical Solutions, have demonstrated autonomous maritime capabilities in a landmark AUKUS maritime exercise off the California coast, showcasing interoperable unmanned surface, undersea and aerial systems, rapid payload integration, over-the-horizon precision engagement and diver-deployed autonomous capabilities.
Defence Member News

6 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
UK Space Agency launches In-Orbit Manufacturing research competition
View_of_Harwell_campus_in_the_UK_article
UK Space Agency launches In-Orbit Manufacturing research competition
A new competition launched by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) seeks projects that will underpin the research, development and maturation of an In-Orbit Manufacturing process and associated payload.
Events Space

4 Nov 2026

Met Police chief calls for major overhaul to tackle cybercrime
Police on patrol
Met Police chief calls for major overhaul to tackle cybercrime
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has called for England and Wales’s 43 police forces to be reorganised into eight to 10 regional forces.
Security

6 Nov 2026

UK plans tougher facial recognition laws and police technology watchdog
Facial recognition
UK plans tougher facial recognition laws and police technology watchdog
The Home Office plans a statutory framework for police facial recognition, including independent oversight and mandatory bias testing.
Security

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.