Honeywell, NXP partner to accelerate autonomous aviation technologies
At CES 2025, Honeywell expanded its partnership with NXP Semiconductors N.V. to further advance aviation product development and pave the way for autonomous flight.
Building on their previous collaboration focused on energy optimisation in building management systems, this new venture combines Honeywell’s aerospace expertise with NXP’s advanced computing technology to deliver innovative, AI-driven solutions for the aviation sector.
The collaboration will leverage Honeywell’s Anthem avionics platform alongside NXP’s high-performance computing architecture to enhance operational efficiency in flight planning and management.
In addition, the partnership aims to streamline transitions to new chipsets and extend the lifecycle of critical aviation technologies, offering long-term benefits for aircraft manufacturers and operators.
“Our industrial domain expertise combined with NXP’s best-in-class technology is a powerful accelerator for industrial leaders on the path to autonomy,” said Vimal Kapur, chairman and CEO of Honeywell. “Together, we are developing differentiated solutions and services that shape the future of automation, driving significant customer outcomes and fuelling Honeywell’s growth.”
Advancing flight technology
Looking ahead, the companies also aim to push the boundaries of next-generation cockpit designs.
They plan to introduce thinner, high-resolution large-area displays that will enhance visual clarity and improve system efficiency.
Furthermore, the collaboration will focus on simplifying the migration to newer avionic technologies and optimising the adoption of AI and machine learning in aerospace applications.
At the core of this collaboration is NXP’s domain-based architecture, which offers advanced computing power, robust cybersecurity, and safety features.
This technology is now being adapted for aviation, with Honeywell Anthem serving as the main platform.
“NXP’s broad portfolio and systems solutions approach makes us a natural partner for Honeywell on the journey towards creating innovative, intelligent, and autonomous avionics that can sense, think, and act,” said Kurt Sievers, president and CEO of NXP Semiconductors.
The aviation industry stands to benefit greatly from this collaboration.
Honeywell plans to use NXP’s i.MX 8 application processors and S32N super-integration processors to enhance data processing capabilities.
This will provide real-time, AI-driven insights that improve safety and performance both in the air and on the ground.
One of the early adopters of this collaboration is Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer.
The company is currently testing its piloted VX4 prototype featuring Honeywell Anthem.
“Honeywell Anthem has already proven to be a highly capable platform, and we’re excited to explore how its capabilities can be further enhanced by NXP’s advanced computing to lessen pilot workloads while increasing situational awareness,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace.
“Together, we see opportunities to make travel quicker, cleaner, and safer, supporting our shared vision to transform how the world moves.”