An AeroAstro design for a future “green” airliner is prepped for testing in MIT’s Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel. (Image courtesy MIT.)
For engineering students interested in astronautics, aeronautics, autonomous systems or robotics, a newly formalized research collaboration agreement between MIT and Lockheed Martin could offer new opportunities.
Currently, their combined research initiatives are aiming to develop so-called generation-after-next autonomous systems and robotics.
To that end, the AeroAstro and Engineering departments at MIT plan to tackle several major challenges, including innovation in and improvement to human/machine teamwork and navigation in complex environments. Lockheed has invited MIT students and faculty to help with these challenges.
So how can this partnership directly benefit interested engineering students?
For one, the master agreement includes research from multiple departments at MIT: AeroAstro, the school of engineering and the computer science and artificial intelligence lab. The agreement reconfirms the partnerships while “aligning with MIT’s mode of conducting research and education by melding academic rigor with real engineering challenges and applications," said Peraire.
In addition, the agreement constitutes a long-term, multi-year structure between MIT and Lockheed to pursue joint research projects and exchange engineers and researchers. Of greatest interest to students, however, will be the opportunities for undergraduate research work, fellowships and internships at Lockheed Martin.
Though partnerships between educational institutions and corporations are not rare, this particular partnership could open many doors for students aiming to become aeronautical, astronautical or robotics engineering specialists.
This partnership isn’t exactly new. The MIT aeronautics and astronautics department has had a relationship with Lockheed for a number of years, according to the head of the AeroAstro department, Jaime Peraire.
But the new collaboration agreement formalizes this partnership, and provides a framework for research to move forward for both parties.
"We are focused on advancing technology and recruiting top talent, both of which are crucial for creating the next generation of aerospace systems," said Lockheed Martin’s CTO, Keoki Jackson.
Lockheed’s program manager and architect of the initiative, Padraig Maloney, added, "We're confident that our relationship and collaboration in these technical areas will influence the fields of autonomy and robotics for the next 15-20 years."
That’s a strong claim, but it will be interesting to see what innovations come out of this partnership.
For more information, visit MIT or Lockheed Martin’s websites.