Boeing announced that the company is planning on using blockchain technology to track unmanned aerospace vehicles used for cargo transportation or air travel.

In order to integrate blockchain technology into Boeing’s aircraft, the aerospace giant is partnering with SparkCognition, a leader in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The blockchain will allow Boeing to track and control their unmanned vehicles and to institute flight changes such as flight corridors to ensure the safe transportation of the cargo being moved by the planes.

According to the Boeing press release, the intended goals of the partnership are to “provide a standardized programming interface to support package delivery, industrial inspection and other commercial applications.” The partnership with SparkCognition comes as no surprise as Boeing previously invested in the AI company through their HorizonX Ventures program. The investment's goal was to “support its development of a cognitive, data-driven analytics platform for the safety, security and reliability of data technology.”

The partnership between the two companies is likely to produce the next generation of advanced technology and is in line with the new trend of using AI to replace human intelligence. By using blockchain and AI to replace human pilots, Boeing will create a more consistent, safe, and efficient method of transportation.

Amir Husain, the founder and CEO of SparkCognition, spoke about the partnership and the future of AI and blockchain, saying:

“Estimated by some analysts at $3 trillion, the urban aerial mobility opportunity will lead to the creation of the largest new market in our lifetimes…The world's number one aviation leader partnering with the world's most innovative industrial AI company means that unparalleled experience in safety, innovation, scale, and reliability will be brought to bear to address this monumental opportunity."

In an effort to progress what Boeing describes as “next-generation travel,” the aerospace company is setting up a new organization, Boeing NeXt, to focus on research in developing technologies such as autonomous flight and advanced propulsion.

"We're at a point in history where technological advances and societal trends are converging to demand bold solutions and a different way to travel," said Greg Hyslop, Boeing’s chief technology officer.

The companies have yet to give details on what type of blockchain will be used to track and control their unmanned aircraft.