11 December 2022 || 4 min read

Near Earth Autonomy, a company developing autonomous flight systems for new and existing aircraft, has received the Innovator of the Year award from the Pittsburgh Technology Council, where the company is based.

Above: Kaman Aerospace’s K-Max Helicopter, recently integrated with autonomous systems from Near Earth Autonomy

Near Earth Autonomy is a growing leader in autonomous flight technologies. As the company has developed, it has created autonomous flight systems for both full-size traditional helicopters as well as drones. Near Earth’s solutions enable aerial mobility applications for partners in the commercial and defense sectors.

Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Technology Council named Near Earth as the category winner for AI/ML/Robotics in the Southwest Pennsylvania Area. Each year, the Pittsburgh Technology Council celebrates the most successful and innovative companies in Southwestern PA at their Tech 50 Awards event, with past winners included self-driving cars that now operate commercially in Pittsburgh.

Said PTC CEO Audrey Russo, “While Pittsburgh is known for self-driving cars, Near Earth is unique in that it has pioneered autonomy for the next generation of aircraft. We expect nothing less than a rethinking of aerial transportation from them. We are proud of Near Earth for bringing “Aviation Alley” to the high-tech ecosystem in the Pittsburgh region.”

Said Sanjiv Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of Near Earth Autonomy, “We are grateful for the Tech Council’s recognition of our work in building the future of autonomous flight. My sincere gratitude goes to our employees and collaborators in helping create the building blocks for safe and efficient autonomous flight. The PTC has been a driving force behind the region’s upward trajectory, making Pittsburgh a great place to grow and scale a technology company.”

So far, Near Earth Autonomy’s eVTOL aerial mobility partners have included Volocopter, Eve, and Kaman Aerospace.

Why it’s important: This recognition from the City of Pittsburg indicates the potential for open collaboration between the city’s government and companies like Near Earth Autonomy that provide autonomous flight. With the city already adopting the commercialization of autonomous automobiles, it also may soon become one of the first to begin integrating autonomous flight. Additionally, with this growth and relationships in these cities, Near Earth positions itself well as a potential partner for eVTOL aircraft and operations developers to begin integrating autonomous systems and operations in this area.

Source // Near Earth Autonomy Press Release

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