Autonomy,
Explained.

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Our Self-Flying First Commitment

At Wisk, we’re committed to a self-flying first approach. By leveraging existing, proven technology, our proprietary autonomous software, and human oversight, we’re able to make autonomous flight a reality.

Autonomy is also a critical element of our commitment to safety and the key to unlocking the potential scale, benefits, and accessibility of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Autonomy
Development.

Here’s an overview of how
Wisk is building safe,
autonomous capability.

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What is Autonomy?

Autonomy Is:

Autonomy is achieved by building upon proven, existing technologies — such as autopilots, precision navigation, flight management systems, and more. Ultimately, this means that the aircraft can aviate, navigate and communicate on its own.

Autonomy Is Not:

Autonomy isn’t artificial intelligence or machine learning. Instead, it means off-loading routine responsibilities that are traditionally held by human pilots to an autonomous system so that ground operators are free to make fewer, higher-level decisions.

Our Approach to Autonomy

Wisk is one of the only AAM companies to pursue a self-flying first approach. This approach is core to our overall strategy and is a critical element in bringing one of the safest systems to market in aviation. Our self-flying first approach includes:

Leveraging the same proven technology that accounts for more than 93% of automated pilot functions on today’s commercial flights (autopilots, precision navigation, flight management systems, etc.)
New, innovative technology such as improved detect and avoid capabilities, sensors, and more
Wisk’s logic-driven, procedural-based, decision-making software which provides reliable, deterministic outcomes
Multi-vehicle supervisors that provide human oversight of every flight and have the ability to intervene when needed

Making Autonomous Flight a Reality

Jon Lovegren, our Head of Autonomy, explains the work we’re doing today to make autonomous flight a reality.

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Autonomous Flight with Human Oversight

While our aircraft can fly itself, humans are still very much a part of the system. All of our flights will be monitored from a ground control station by a Multi-Vehicle Supervisor (MVS).

The MVS is responsible for overseeing the flight from start to finish. During the flight, if the aircraft takes steps to avoid potential hazards, the Multi-Vehicle Supervisor is notified. The MVS can also intervene at any point during the flight by sending a new command for the aircraft to execute.

This unique combination of autonomous flight and human oversight ensures the safety of passengers, the aircraft, and other airspace users.

The Autonomous Advantage

First and foremost, autonomy is a critical element of our commitment to safety. By eliminating one of the most common contributors to aviation accidents (pilot error), we’re inherently making a safer system. Autonomy brings with it many additional benefits, including:

Avoiding potential pilot shortages
Reducing operating costs and increasing passenger access
Easier short and long-term maintenance

Like many in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, Wisk believes autonomy is the key to unlocking both scale and the full potential of AAM, both in the equitable distribution of benefits and in the Total Addressable Market (TAM). Using autonomy, we will be able to more easily, affordably, and safely expand operations to offer everyday air travel to as many people as possible.

Learn More

A Concept of Operations

Our self-flying first approach will redefine long-standing concepts of flight and usher in a safer, scalable, and more accessible era in aviation. For a more detailed look at how autonomous flight will work — from airspace integration to ground control stations — read our Concept of Operations for Uncrewed Urban Air Mobility, jointly developed with Boeing.