Lockheed Martin company and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca extended the partnership for research in the field of artificial intelligence

The Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization hosted on January 16, the signing event of the extension of the collaboration agreement between the Research and Leadership Laboratory in the field of Science, Technology and Engineering (STELaRLab) within the Lockheed Martin company and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca ( UTCN), for research in the field of artificial intelligence.

The agreement expands the collaboration, first announced in 2022, to develop artificial intelligence capabilities to improve the planning and delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in times of crisis.

This agreement will act as a catalyst for the processing of 4-dimensional images received from unmanned aerial systems, as well as the integration of additional multiple sensors. The combined benefit will accelerate the facilitation of autonomous planning and delivery of critical support needed in emergency situations.

“The extension of the partnership for the application of artificial intelligence technologies for interventions in emergency situations is an important gain for Romania. The partnership offers Romanian researchers access to Lockheed Martin’s global research and development network, including the company’s Artificial Intelligence Center, an opportunity through which they can effectively use real-time information to find quick solutions in crisis situations ,” said the Minister of Digitalization , Bogdan Ivan.

Ray Piselli, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for international affairs, said: ” Today is another important milestone for Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partnership with Romania. This underlines our commitment to support the development of Romania’s next generation of scientists, engineers and technology specialists, who will be essential to the nation’s future .”

” The significant results obtained in the first year of cooperation will be expanded and used by integrating into a functional prototype jointly developed with StelarLab”, said Vasile Țopa, rector of UTCN. “As part of our overall interest in artificial intelligence and in particular for this project, we are currently investing UTCN’s own funds in the establishment of an artificial intelligence center, which is currently under construction in Cluj ,” he added.

As climate change continues to present challenges globally due to the frequency and severity of natural emergencies such as wildfires, the Lockheed Martin and UTCN team will assess how artificial intelligence can help society understand the risks associated with these events and be better prepared to respond with agility.

The Lockheed Martin company has been present in Romania for over 25 years and is today a strategic partner for national defense, industry and the academic environment. The company is engaged in a partnership with Romania in a variety of defense and security programs, including military aircraft, missile defense, precision fire, radar and helicopters for the Government of Romania.