A wing-skin that harvests natural vibrations to power in-flight systems, drones that lead birds to a safe haven ‘birdport’, and a games console-inspired infra-red system that detects potential obstacles when taxiing – these are among the ideas from university students shortlisted by Airbus in its Fly Your Ideas competition, with the five finalists now vying for the €30,000 (US$33,460) jackpot.
These pioneering ideas have already seen off competition from over 500 entries in Airbus’s biennial global student challenge. Airbus created Fly Your Ideas in partnership with UNESCO to inspire the next generation of innovators by giving them the chance to experience the exciting opportunities that the aviation industry has to offer.
Diversity is a key driver of innovation and performance and this year’s finalists represent the most diverse line-up in the competition’s history, comprising eight nationalities from nine universities, with a mix of engineering and non-engineering backgrounds and a higher percentage of female students than ever before.
Responding to key issues in aviation, the ideas had to cover one of six challenges identified by Airbus, to provide sustainable future solutions where growth, efficiency and people will be at the heart of a thriving aviation industry.
The five finalist teams – from Brazil, China, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom – now travel to Hamburg, Germany, to make their case for the top prize to Airbus and industry experts on May 27. The runners-up will share €15,000 (US$16720).
For more details and to view videos of the finalists’ reactions on hearing of their success, visit www.airbus-fyi.com
May 19, 2015
