Dassault has launched its Paris Region Challenge AI (artificial intelligence) for industry competition in partnership with the Ile-de-France region of north-central France. For this year’s competition, Dassault has tasked entrants with creating ways to improve Falcon business jet fuel efficiency and maintenance using only the data provided by the aircraft’s onboard instruments.

Each year the French OEM provides the challenge with a scientific topic, along with data samples and a team of engineers and data scientists to help with preparation, supporting entrants and to sit on the panel of judges.

The proposed topic for 2020’s competition uses AI algorithms to develop virtual sensors capable of estimating local stress suffered by a Falcon business jet, based only on available aircraft instruments. By gaining insight into the mechanical stress put on the jet, these sensors will help to optimise maintenance programmes developing lighter, more fuel efficient structures.

Around 10 European start-ups and laboratories will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. At the end of the challenge, the judges will select a single winner to which Dassault Aviation will offer a collaborative project lasting 12 to 18 months. The Paris regional authority will also provide the winner with €500,000 to support the projectin this context.

“Dassault Aviation is at the cutting edge of innovation, particularly in digital technology, and our aircraft have integrated smart systems for more than 30 years,” said Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation CEO. “We are therefore delighted to contribute to this challenge and work with the AI ecosystem in the Paris Region, which is recognised for its vitality and very high standard.

“The competitors will process real industrial data, which is unusual in this kind of competition and will be assisted by our teams. On top of the scientific aspects, the topic includes a real economic and environmental dimension, both for aviation and other areas of industry such as transport and energy. This is consistent with our conception of AI, which should develop algorithms for the benefit of human beings. In short, this challenge has all the ingredients to be especially motivating. I wish all the entrants good luck.”