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AI-Enabled Flexible Sensing Skin for Next-Generation Aircraft: Toward Embodied Intelligence
JingJing Ji1,2,3, YuXuan Pan1,2,3, ZhiHan Zhang1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
Next-generation aircraft will use intelligent flexible sensing skins for real-time environmental awareness and autonomous decision-making. This "Fly-by-Feel" technology enhances aircraft intelligence, efficiency, and safety through advanced sensing and artificial intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Materials Science
- Artificial Intelligence
Background:
- Aircraft are evolving into intelligent agents with advanced sensing capabilities.
- Flexible sensing skins offer advantages like conformability and lightweight design for aircraft surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the "sensing-decision-regulation" closed-loop system for next-generation aircraft.
- To demonstrate applications of intelligent flexible skins in anti-icing, stealth, and aerodynamic enhancement.
Main Methods:
- In-situ sensing of multi-aerodynamic parameters without disturbing airflow.
- Artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced super-resolution perception using edge-deployed chips.
- Closed-loop actuation based on the sensing-algorithm collaborative bridge.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the core composition of the "sensing-decision-regulation" system.
- Showcased applications in anti-icing/deicing, electromagnetic stealth, and lift enhancement/drag reduction.
- Highlighted the potential of programmable intelligent flexible skins.
Conclusions:
- Intelligent flexible skins are key enablers for "Fly-by-Feel" aircraft.
- The "sensing-decision-regulation" system facilitates autonomous decision-making and self-evolution.
- Future prospects include enhanced aircraft intelligence, efficiency, and safety.
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