IoT Takes to the Skies With Microsoft and Rolls-Royce Collaboration

How IoT can help the airline industry.

Smart collection and analysis of data from airline engines may allow for increased efficiency and significant monetary savings. (Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce.)

Smart collection and analysis of data from airline engines may allow for increased efficiency and significant monetary savings. (Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce.)

One of the leading manufacturers of aero engines for the airliner and corporate jet market recently announced a collaboration to bring Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities to the skies. Rolls-Royce, whose engines power more than 50,000 flights a month, has teamed up with Microsoft’s Azure IoT and Cortana Intelligence Suites in an effort to improve aircraft efficiency.

IoT Insights for the Airline Industry

A high number of engines means a high volume of engine data. With a suite of IoT tools, data from engines scattered around the globe can be collected and aggregated easily and efficiently. This information can then be analyzed to observe trends and anomalies that can aid in improving engine design.

 

The rich scope of data that can be obtained from these engines includes engine health data, air traffic control information, fuel usage and route restrictions. Azure Stream Analytics and Microsoft Power BI (Business Intelligence) dashboards can be used to uncover the desired data insights.

How IoT Big Data can Improve Jet Engines

With the Microsoft collaboration, Rolls-Royce is hopeful that the digital insights discovered will allow for a greater understanding of flight operations, fuel usage and maintenance planning.

 

This information goes much further than the current levels of proactive engine health monitoring and could prove invaluable in better retaining engine asset value and reducing flight disruptions.

 

If the collaboration proves successful, airlines and their customers may be able to save millions of dollars per year. Tom Palmer, a senior vice president for civil aerospace at Rolls-Royce, is optimistic about the potential of the IoT services. “Our customers are looking for ways to leverage the digital landscape to increase efficiency and improve their operations. By working with Microsoft we can really transform our digital services, supporting customers right across engine-related aircraft operations to make a real difference to performance.”

 

To find out more how IoT can help the airline industry, Microsoft and Rolls-Royce have set up a demonstration of the collaboration at the Hannover Messe Industrial Fair.

Written by

Michael Alba

Michael is a senior editor at engineering.com. He covers computer hardware, design software, electronics, and more. Michael holds a degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Alberta.