What's NeXt? Boeing will work AI and blockchain into drone traffic system

Boeing says it's aiming to create a traffic management system for drones that makes use of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology -- and one of the companies in its investment portfolio. SparkCognition will be Boeing's partner in the traffic management project. Last year, the Texas-based AI company benefited from a $32.5 million investment round that included funding from Boeing HorizonX Ventures. Boeing is also creating a new business group, known as Boeing NeXt, to leverage the company's research and development activities and investments in areas such as autonomous flight, smart cities, advance propulsion and other parts of the wider transportation ecosystem. "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," Greg Hyslop, Boeing's chief technology officer, said today in a statement issued to coincide with this week's Farnborough International Airshow near London. "Boeing has the experience and expertise to safely and efficiently shape this emerging world of travel and transport," Hyslop said.